Abraham Rivera, Jr.

Rivera, Jr, Abraham

Bono, OH

1946-2023

Abraham Rivera Jr, 77, of Bono, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family as he slipped from his earthly tether and into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Abe lived out his last few months on earth as he had lived his first 77 years: With a passion for Christ.

Abe was born to two devoted parents, Abraham Sr and Rafaela Rivera (both deceased), on February 21, 1946, in Edinburg, TX. His parents taught him and his siblings the value of hard work, the importance of family, and that all things are possible through Christ.

Abe and his siblings were extraordinary in their loyalty to one another, always showing up if any were in need. Abe would often walk to his sister's house, where she always had an open door, a bible study, and a warm meal for all her siblings, extended family and church community. Every other day, for years, Abe and his sister would pray for the well-being of the entire family, calling each and everyone by name. As a spiritual mentor and elder, he would often remind his family of Matthew 5:44... if you want to get even, just love them more. He was the epitome of a faithful servant.

Abe met and married the love of his life, his childhood sweetheart, and best friend Jeanne Marie Romstadt on June 18, 1966. Ever the doting husband, Abe never let an opportunity go by where he didn't compliment his beautiful wife of 57 years on the amazing homelife she created for their family. Together, they raised three children, who would prove to be his pride and joy. For Abe, his home was truly his castle and where he preferred to be.

Abe was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Oregon, where he served as church deacon and later a member of Grace Baptist Church in Oak Harbor, Ohio. He attended regularly and as recently as a few months ago, where he never needed a hymnal to praise the Lord in song. As a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, Abe served as an example to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and all who crossed his path to put the Lord first for He shall light the way.

Abe held employment with Gulf Refinery Toledo, Toledo Edison, and Textile Leather but his most rewarding job was working with his son Lonny at the Ohio Migrant Education Center where he served as Lonny's interpreter and taught English to migrant workers over the summers. Having picked cotton himself at the tender age of five, Abe easily made friendships with those he mentored, which gave him a great sense of purpose.

A proud veteran, Abe served in the United States Army from 1966-1968 and had a deep respect for our country and those who served.

Abe is preceded in death by his parents Abraham Sr (1909-1999) and Rafaela Rivera (1908-1998), great-grandson Elijah Turner (2017-2017), brothers Francisco "Frank" Alaniz (1927-2007), Isaac "Ike" Rivera (1938-2010), Edwardo "Eddie" Rivera (1942-2023), great-niece Christina Mae Deal (1984-2003), brother-in-law Gonzalo Herrera (1939-2012), and sister-in-law Brenda Rivera (1944-2020). He is survived by his loving wife and devoted caregiver Jeanne Rivera, daughter Tammy (Brian) Turner, sons Dion Rivera and Lonny (Tammy) Rivera, grandchildren Kody, Josh, Jakob, Brianna, Kayla, Dion Jr, Darrien, Dalani, Dominique, Deakon, Dalton, Jared, Alec and Gabrielle, great-grandchildren Kamila, Kai, Eden and Cash, sisters Augustina "Tina" Thompson and Lydia Herrera, and brothers Philip (Becky) Rivera and John Rivera.

Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon, on Monday, January 1, 2024, from 2-8:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church 325 S. Toussaint-Portage Rd. Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 where family will greet guests after 10:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at Allen Twp. Cemetery in Williston.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the GoFundMe Abraham Rivera Jr. to help cover the cost of medical bills.

https://gofund.me/83eb8917