Manuel Rivera

April 27, 1929 - June 13, 2020

On Saturday, June 13, 2020, Manuel Rivera, devoted father and husband to the late Consuelo Bonilla-Colon passed away peacefully at home with his family at the age of 91. Manuel was born on April 27, 1929 in Utuado, Puerto Rico to Juan Rivera and Obdulia Rivera. Manuel married Consuelo Bonilla-Colon on December 10, 1952 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico where they resided for seven years and then moved to Jersey City, NJ in 1959 and then to Hoboken, NJ where they lived for 20 years and the past 16 years made their home in Secaucus, NJ. Manuel is survived by his three loving children, daughter Margarita Quinones and Husband Gilbert. Son Hector Rivera and wife Cathy Attardi-Rivera, and daughter Carmen Cortez and husband Carlos. Along with one brother Jeronimo Rivera. Adored grandfather to Gilbert and Adam Quinones, Nicole Rivera-Weiss, Danny and Steven Rivera and Melissa and Carlos Cortez. Loving great-grandfather to Brandon, Adam (AJ), Ariana and Marie Quinones, Ava and Giana Weiss and Jordan Cortez. Manuel was a retired chef. He enjoyed cooking Italian dishes and his traditional Spanish dishes of Puerto Rico. Manuel enjoyed many wonderful years as owner of Pizzeria 54 in West New York where he devoted many hours to please his customers and watch them enjoy a slice of pizza or a variety of special sandwiches. He enjoyed cooking alongside his wife of 68 years and having family and friends sit at his table. Manuel also enjoyed traveling and driving friends and family alongside the beautiful beaches in his homeland of Puerto Rico. His kind and compassionate spirit will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The American Heart Association and/or St. Jude's Children's Fund