Carlos V. Rivera, 90, Enjoyed All Things Nature

Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on September 3, 1932, he was a resident of Lorain since 1950. Carlos led a full and meaningful life as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, volunteer, deacon, and inspiration to the many who knew him and enjoyed his company.

In 1950 he relocated to Lorain, from Mayaguez, during the hiring push by The National Tube Corp. Two years later he returned to Mayaguez to marry Iraida “Iris” (nee Oliva). On March 6, 1952, Carlos and Iris Rivera began a marriage that lasted 71 years. This bond produced two daughters, two sons and two foster children they considered their own, 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Carlos retired from Kobe Steel in 1988 after 38 years, primarily in the Open Hearth and B.O.P. shop. He also was a bus driver for the Clearview School District for 20 years retiring in 1988. An avid fisherman, Carlos enjoyed his time off work relaxing with friends at the Lorain pier in the 60’s and 70’s as well as ice fishing off South Bass Island. He enjoyed all things nature related such as camping, hiking, bird watching and just spending time outdoors, passing these loves on to his children and grandchildren.

A man of many talents and interests, post-retirement, Carlos volunteered his time to the American Red Cross for 10 years serving in post Hurricane Puerto Rico (Hurricane Hugo) and Florida (Hurricane Andrew). He also served on Red Cross missions in El Salvador, Honduras, and Columbia.

Carlos was a 50+ year member of AA and became close to many Friends of Bill W. He was a friend to all, whether you knew him or not.

As a founding member of Capilla del Sagrado Corazon (Sacred Heart Chapel) in Lorain, he was very active member of the church organizations. Carlos took his beliefs to the next level becoming an ordained Deacon in 1986 for the Catholic Church. In this role he ministered to the incarcerated, recovering addicts and all who sought out his wisdom and knowledge. He retired from this calling in 2002 only when his health would not allow him to actively continue.

Carlos was preceded in death by his parents Rosendo and Isabel Rivera, brothers Miguel, Jacinto, Francisco and Monserrate, sisters Maria, Paula, Luisa and Rosa and foster daughter Lillian Homolya.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years Iris; daughters Miriam (Bill) Rousell of Pickerington, Ohio, and Iris (Jack) Hunt of Oberlin, Ohio, sons Carlos Jr. of Pasadena, California, Jose of Lorain and foster son Bill of Amherst, Ohio; grandchildren Jennifer (Adlai), Rachel, Leah (Ross), Jeremiah, James, Janice, Jacob, Christina (Elliot), Isaac and Jessica (Cameron)and great-grandchildren Andrew, Kayla, Gabriel, Brennan, Melyna, and Emery.

The wake for Deacon Carlos Rivera will begin with Vespers at 3 p.m. Aug. 11 in Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Ave., Lorain, with Bishop Martin Amos, bishop emeritus of Davenport, Iowa, presiding. Deacon Rocky Ortiz will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 7 p.m. in the church. Bishop Edward Malesic will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Aug. 12 in Sacred Heart Chapel. Father William A. Thaden, Sacred Heart Chapel pastor, will be the homilist. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain. For expressions of sympathy and further information please see, Reidyfuneral.com.