Marina Rivera
Born on March 3, 1927 in Caguas, Puerto RicoPassed January 31, 2025 in Palm Bay, Florida
Marina Rivera, born on March 3, 1927, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, in Palm Bay, Florida, at the age of 97.
In her late teens, Marina moved to New York City with her sister Mercedes, where she met and married the love of her life, Jose “Tony” Rivera. Together, they shared a devoted 50-year marriage and were blessed with two sons, Joe and Bob. Over time, their family blossomed to include seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Marina was a trailblazer in her professional career as the only female supervisor at an industrial laundry company where she worked for over two decades. Her dedication and leadership earned the respect of her colleagues. In 1965, she and Tony relocated from New York City to New Jersey before eventually settling in Palm Bay, Florida, in 1985 to be closer to their sons. While in Brevard County, Marina and her family opened and managed several waterbed stores until her retirement in the early 1990s.
Known for her elegance and radiant beauty, Marina cherished time spent with family. She found joy in preparing meals that brought loved ones together and treasured capturing memories through photographs. Her competitive spirit shined during games of Dominoes and Bingo at family gatherings. Marina’s passion for family was evident in every aspect of her life.
In 2006, Marina embraced her faith through baptism in the ocean and found joy attending church services with her son Joe and daughter-in-law Awilda. She especially loved visiting with her great-grandchildren after services.
Marina was preceded in death by her husband Jose “Tony” Rivera, siblings Javier Lizardi, Hector Ocasio, and Mercedes Marrero; survived by her brother Pedro (Irma) Ocasio; sister Juanita Pineiro; sons Joe (Awilda) Rivera and Bob Rivera; grandchildren Derrick (Lisa) Rivera, Desi (April) Rivera, Janelle (Lou) Figueroa, Robert (Nathalie) Rivera, Jessica Rivera, Adrian Edgerly, Andrew Rivera; great-grandchildren Alyssa, Janessa, Luis, Alana, Aaliyah, Isabella, Mikaela, Levi, Kya, Victoria; and great-great-grandchild Nyomi.
A private burial will take place at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at City Church Space Coast at 12:00 p.m., where family and friends will gather to honor her remarkable legacy.
Marina’s unwavering love and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in heavenly peace.