Anthony Rivera

Anthony (Rally) Rivera went to rest on the morning of February 21st, 2021, due to complications from Lymphoma. He passed while with his family, in Big Bear City, CA. He is preceded by his daughter Melinda, mother Delfina, father Paul, and brother Michael. He is survived by two brothers, three sisters, a daughter, a son, seven grandchildren, an aunt, an uncle, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Anthony was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 12th, 1955, and spent his life between there, Florida, Arizona, and largely California. During his adult career, he was a well-known and successful copper telephone splicer, working as a contractor to complete projects for telephone companies across the country. In the latter years of his life, while still living in Reedley, CA, he was very active in his church and the community. His church life and outreach were among the greatest joys in his life, and he undoubtedly touched many more lives than any of us will ever know. Among the common activities he’d speak of, assisting with food drives, and volunteering at his church, seemed to be the most regular.

One of the other great joys of his life were his grandchildren. Whether it was bringing them surprise goody bags of candy, watching sports or cartoons with them, getting makeovers from his grand daughters, or wrestling with his grandsons, he always enjoyed his time with them. He was often heard pretending to complain of them eating or drinking all of his something or another, but was always heard offering it to them repeatedly when he’d first gotten it; a game he loved to play. While spending time with and around his grandchildren, he would also spend a lot of time with his daughter in law, Melissa Rivera. The two became very close over the years, and there is no doubt that he loved her as a daughter, just as she loves him like a father.

While his battle with lymphoma lasted 1.5 years, his time seemed to come abruptly, and much too soon for those of us that knew him. He was a man always willing to help those he loved, no matter the cost to himself, and a true friend to many. He is, and will always be loved and missed, but we mourn for ourselves, as we know that his suffering is past, and his eternal salvation is secure, in our Lord Jesus.

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