Fundador Rivera, Jr.

Fundador Rivera, Jr. "Jimmy"

Fundador Rivera Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 16th, 2020.

Fundador, affectionately known as Jimmy, was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and moved to Manhattan at around 3 years of age. It was there where he met the love of his life Joellen Leahy. The two went on to get married on August 1, 1964. They started their family and had four beautiful children: Kelly Jean, Debra Jayne, Margaret Ann and Shane Richard Rivera. Jimmy worked for 35 years as a printer for Sandy Alexander. He was always the sole provider for his family, working unimaginable hours to ensure his family always had a roof over their heads, a full fridge and were able to vacation each year. A vacation that, regardless of where on the map they were headed, he was driving. When Jimmy was not at work you could catch him working on his cars or riding through the old neighborhood in Manhattan with his wife, reminiscing about “the good ole days.” They would typically cap their night off listening to their favorite Peruvian band Ch’uwa Yacu! Jimmy was and will always be remembered as a fun and loving grandfather of three and great grandpa. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, often challenging them to little games he knew he’d win or compensating them for their tireless efforts in plucking the grey hairs from his head. His hard working, caring and protective mindset will live through us all, as we know he will continue to watch over us.

Surviving are his wife, Joellen; daughters, Kelly, Debbie and Margie; son Shane; grandchildren Freddie, Fabian and Dana; and great-grandson Levi. He will be missed dearly by all his family and friends.

In following the guidlines requested by the CDC and the NYS Department of Health all visitors are required to wear face masks covering nose and mouth while in the building. We request that all be mindful of social distancing  protocols while visiting. To be respectful of the immediate family, we respectfully as that visits be kept brief to allow others the same opportunity while adhereing to the regulations. Thank you.  

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