Jesus R. Rivera

Jesus "Berto" R. Rivera, 75, of Bethlehem, died on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at Hospice of the VNA of St. Luke's in Bethlehem.

Born January 4, 1931 in Arecibo, P.R., he was the son of the late Gonzalo and Juana Rivera Rivera.

He was married to Grace N. Bermudez Rivera for the past 20 years.

Jesus moved to Bethlehem in the late 1940's, becoming one of the founding families of the Hispanic Community here in the Lehigh Valley. He was extremely proud of his heritage. Wanting the community to grow, he would assist many of the families that arrived in Bethlehem as best he could, often times serving as an interpreter. He was employed by the Bethlehem Steel Corp. in the Trucking Department for 38 years before retiring in 1988, as well as, co-owning and operating with his former wife, Carmen L. Lugo, the La Favorita Grocery & Deli in Bethlehem. Jesus was one of the Charter Members of the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society of Bethlehem, a member of the Arecibo Domino Club in Puerto Rico and a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

SURVIVORS: In addition to his wife Grace he will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Alicia Rivera, Elizbeth Vazquez and husband Hector both of Bethlehem, Marilyn Cofre and husband Jonathan of Salisbury Twp. and a stepdaughter Griseldie Martinez of Arecibo, P.R.,

two stepsons Luis S. Martinez of Allentown and Fabian Martinez of Hanover Twp., with whom he resided, brother Rafael B. Rivera of Arecibo, P.R. and a sister Dolores Rivera of Bayamon, P.R. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren.

He was preceded in Death by a sister Ines Quinones.

SERVICES

A Funeral Service will be held at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian at 10:00 AM from Holy Infancy Catholic Church. Friends may call on Monday evening from 6-9 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.