Gilberto “Chico” Rivera, 79, of Cumberland passed away peacefully on Friday January 19, 2024 at Zambrano Hospital in Pascoag. He was the loving husband of Liberty M. (Rosario) Rivera.
Gilberto was born and raised in Isabella, Puerto Rico. As a young man he moved to New York City where he graduated from P.S.130 Hernando de Soto School in Manhattan. He moved with his family to Northern Rhode Island and lived in the Woonsocket, Burrillville and Cumberland area.
Mr. Rivera worked for Regal Floor Covering Company. He was the owner and operator of Riv Floor Covering in Burrillville for many years before retiring.
Affectionately known as “Chico”, he was well-loved and universally respected by who knew him. Chico was an avid horseman as he rode his two favorite horses. “Carly” was his mount in his younger years and “Rocky” in later years. There was just something about being in the saddle that gave Chico his own unique sense of peace and relaxation. He was active with Alice’s Little Ponderosa. He also enjoyed the outdoors by fishing and going for walks. Doing his yard work was his way of enjoying the different seasons. In his younger years Chico played handball and later played a skilled game of pitch.
Chico will be remembered as a devoted husband and father and as a grandfather who cherished and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a hardworking man who gave his all for his family.
In addition to his wife Liberty, Chico is survived by his son Darrell J. Rivera and his wife Maria of Cumberland, two daughters Debra “Debbie” Bellini and her late husband Mario Bellini (who passed away in 2021) of Burrillville and Liza Turcotte of Cumberland. He was the father of the late Gilbert A. Rivera who passed away in 2021. He was the brother of Hilda Rivera of Florida and the late Gilfredo “Tiger” Rivera, Jorge Rivera and Inez Rivera. He was the grandfather of Mario and Joseph Bellini, Kayla and Paige Turcotte, Anthony Archambault, Brayson White, Andrew Staples, Courtney Lee Rivera, Maximus Rivera and Darrell N. Rivera.
Chico was the proud grandfather and is now eternally reunited with his grandson the late Spc. Matthew R. Turcotte, United States Army, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice while in the service of his country in 2017.
Chico is also survived by many great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Chico will be laid to rest at St. joseph Cemetery in Cumberland with a private family service.
Arrangements are in care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
www.menardfuneralhome.com