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 Benjamin S. Rivera, age 65, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side on September 18, 2014. Ben is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Connie Rivera, and his daughter, Teresa D. Silva.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Virginia Salgado Rivera; his son, Benjamin S. Rivera III; grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, April, Joseph, and Benjamin; and his great-granddaughter, Teresa Marie Silva; sisters, Sally Roberts, Betty De La Garza, and Emily Alvarez; and brothers, Richard Rivera and Michael Rivera.
Ben served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1968 he was a Lance Corporal with the Vietnam-based 3rd Military Police Battalion, Pacific Fleet Marine Force. He was a Sergeant when he left the military.
Ben retired from Davis Monthan Air Force Base.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Avenue, with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered Friday, September 26, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Avenue. Interment will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.
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Donald LaVetter
Ben was the kind of guy that when you first met him you knew you were going to like him. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a sniper and a tour of Duty in Vietnam. Later in the years he led the Marine Corps League as commandant of the post and did many many great things to help the community and his fellow Marines. A lot of fun great partier and I miss him very much today someone I will always call a true friend. Semper Fi Marine.
David Trejo
Benny and I played little league baseball together for one year, which is how we met. I had come over to Randolph Park from the Western League because there were too many kids and not enough teams. I only stayed for that one year and then went back. Benny and I stayed friends for all those years until we both graduated. Benny and I both rode the bus to Phoenix for our physicals, he was going to the Corp and I was on my way to the Air Force. We never met again until our 20 Year Graduation Reunion in 1987, he was working at DM and I was still in the Air Force. We were never to see each other again, the Air Force and world matters took care of that. I am very glad that I got to know Benny, even if for only a short time in our lives. Semper Fi old friend.