Jose M. Rivera

José Manuel Rivera, Jr., 47, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, NY. José was born on July 11, 1973 in Bronx, NY to José and Lucy (Cruz) Rivera.

José grew up in the Bronx and graduated from DeWitt-Clinton High School.  After high school he attended Monroe College for a time, as well as the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, where he received a degree in history education. José was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. He began work in 1997 at Sacred Heart School in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, where he taught middle school grades – first in Math and Science, then in Religion and Social Studies – for 18 years.  During those 18 years, he taught hundreds of students how to research, question, check their sources, and left them with love, laughter, respect, and good memories.  José had to stop working at Sacred Heart in 2016 due to health reasons, but he never stopped teaching and being an educator. He enjoyed history, computers, politics, teaching, photography, and music. 

José married JhaNette in 2003 at St. Helena’s Church in the Bronx. They were happily married for 17 years.  Together, they began raising two beautiful, intelligent, talented, and funny daughters.  Together, they shared a love for walks on the beach, teaching and education, creativity, music, and each other.

José is survived by his wife, JhaNette; his daughters, Dana and Maira; his brother, Mel (His sister, Luz, passed away in 2017.); his parents, José and Lucy; his cousins, aunts and uncles; and his nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at Ralph Giordano Funeral Home, 1727 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020. José will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery.

 Due to the continued public health mandates and concerns, please know that there is an occupancy limitation on the amount of guests allowed in the funeral home at one time. Facial coverings must be worn at all times in the funeral home, and social distancing must be practiced. Your adherence and cooperation will be greatly appreciated by the family, staff and the community.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose M. Rivera, please visit our floral store.