Mr. Jose M. Rivera Flores

José Manuel Rivera Flores (English) Jose, better known as “El Chino” was born January 6, 1940 in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. His parents, Leonardo Rivera and Gregoria Flores procreated 11 children: Carmita, José, Roberto, Eustaquio, Reynaldo, Julián, Samuel, María, Jesús, César and Marina. At the age of 18, Jose migrated to the United States and resided in Norwalk, CT where he met the love of his life, Norberta Gonzalez. They were married in 1963 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in South Norwalk. They had four children: José Manuel, Jr., Antonio (r.i.p.), Soraida and Edward. Always active in the church, Jose was a member of the “Cursillista” and participated in the Marriage Encounter. He later moved with his family to Bridgeport, CT where he and his wife raised their children and enjoyed sharing time with nine grandchildren: Alana, Charlene, Yazmin, Chino, Jr., Antonio Jose, Michael, Jr., ,Chelsey, Xavier and Sebastian. He also had three great-grandchildren. In 1991, he moved with his wife to Orlando, Florida where he was part of the choir at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church. Jose enjoyed playing all sorts of card games but his passion was the game of dominoes and watching professional boxing. He was a great son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to many. His patience and humbleness was like no other. His personality can be easily described through his charisma, the sparkle in his eye and his smile. This week he was able to celebrate, in a very special way, his 49th wedding anniversary—where he declared his love to his wife once again. Pa, you are special man. I pray that I can be ½ the man you were and make you proud. You will always live in our hearts and your spirit will live on forever—I love you PAPI. RIP José Manuel Rivera Flores (Spanish) José, mejor conocido como “El Chino” nació el 6 de enero del 1940 en San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. Leonardo Rivera y Gregoria Flores fueron sus padres quienes procrearon 11 hijos: Carmita, José, Roberto, Eustaquio, Reynaldo, Julián, Samuel, María, Jesús, César y Marina. A la edad de 18 años, José se trasladó a los Estados Unidos para la cuidad de Norwalk,, CT., en donde conoció a su amada esposa Norberta Gonzalez. Para el año 1963, contrajeron nupcias en la Iglesia Católica San José de South Norwalk, CT. De ahí nacieron sus cuatro hijos: José Manuel, Jr., Antonio (que en paz descanse), Soriada y Edward. Siempre activo en la Iglesia, José fue cursillista, y participó del movimiento Encuentro Matrimonial. Luego se mudó con su familia para Bridgeport, CT donde crió a sus hijos y logró a compartir con sus nueve nietos: Charlene Delaila, Alana, Yazmin, Chino, Jr., Michael, Jr., Antonio Jose, Chelsey, Xavier y Sebastian. De ahi salieron tres bis-nietos tambien. Para el año 1999 se trasladó con su esposa a Orlando, Florida donde formó parte del coro musical de la Iglesia Católica Saint Isaac Jogues. El pasatiempo de José eran juegos de azar; aún en su enfermedad, su predilección era el boxeo y el juego de dominoes. José fue buen hijo, hermano, padre, abuelo, bis-abuelo, tió, cuñado, compadre de muchos y amigo. La paciencia y humildad de José era indescriptible. La personalidad de José se distinguío por su carisma, el brillo de sus ojos y su sonrisa. Esta semana logró celebrar de manera especial sus 49 años de matrimonio en donde le declaró su amor nuevamente. Jose, eres especial y siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones. Descansa en paz.

Mr. Jose M. Rivera Flores

January 6, 1940 - April 28, 2013