Felix Rivera

Felix Rivera was a beloved husband, father, uncle and brother during his incredible 98 years of life. He passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 8th, 2024. Felix was born on July 8, 1926, to father, Delores Rivera and mother, Luisa Carmona. He was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Felix was the youngest of 8 total children. Felix met the love of his life, Estrella Guerrero (Rivera) by happenstance at a dance in Brooklyn, NY. When he asked her to dance, she politely refused. Estrella scanned the room and pointed at a random stranger saying she was there with “that guy”. “That guy” she pointed at just so happened to be Felix’s brother who did not have a date. A that point she had no choice but to dance with him. That is where their love story began 68 years ago. After marrying Estrella on November 12, 1955, at The Church of the Epiphany in Brooklyn, NY, they welcomed their first daughter, Miriam Rivera (later Giotta) on June 11, 1956. Shortly after, the welcomed another daughter, Iris Rivera on November 27, 1957. Felix and Estrella started their life in Brooklyn, NY. They were devout Catholics and raised their family this way. Felix and Estrella made an indelible mark on their Brooklyn community in 1961. Felix was deep rooted in his faith. As a result, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his colleagues were very instrumental in building a loving church home. He helped to build La Merced (Our Lady of Mercy Church). Felix and his fellow knights took up collections, organized fundraisers and brought the community together to create the loving church family which still serves the community today. We are so proud of this accomplishment and even more proud that this is part of our legacy. Later, Felix & Estrella moved to Queens, NY and the family welcomed their first granddaughter, Camille Cruz on August 31, 1977. When their granddaughter grew up, the welcomed their very first great grandson, Marcellus Reyes on September 26, 1994. As the family grew, Felix and Estrella moved to Levittown, NY and welcomed their first great granddaughter Monique Reyes on April 29, 1999. Many wonderful memories were shared in Levittown but the winters got a little too cold for them. In 2018, they joined Iris in St. Petersburg, FL where they enjoyed many sunsets and welcomed their great -great grandson Jasiah Reyes on December 15, 2022. We will all remember Felix for his loving & kind nature. We will also remember him for his occasional and endearing stubbornness. Felix had a passion for music & dancing. A kid at heart, he marveled at Christmas lights and fireworks. He adored his biological family and his family in Christ immensely. And let’s not forget his beloved Yankees (although most of us would agree that was more of a love-hate relationship). Felix prayed a rosary daily, without fail, and would include every one of us in his prayers. There was not a single moment spent with him where he wouldn’t share a cherished memory he had with each of us. His heart and doors were always open to anyone, not just family. If you weren’t family, you certainly knew and felt that you were by the end of the visit. Some of our fondest memories are his countless stories about the Yankees and his little pet names like “biggie-boy” and “la Princessa” . We encourage everyone to share your stories of him with us, it warms our heart hearing the impact he has had on your lives. We will all miss Felix dearly, but we are so grateful for all the time we did have. We will always feel his presence in our hearts A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 16th at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 7851 54th Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33709. Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects on Thursday, August 15th from 12:00 PM until 8:00 PM at DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 3530 49th Street North, St. Petersburg FL 33710.

Felix Rivera

July 8, 1926 - August 8, 2024