WHITELAND
Leonides “Leon”, “Johnny” Rivera, 75 of Whiteland, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021.
He was born on November 19, 1945 in Las Piedra, Puerto, Rico, the son of Leonides and Lydia (Figueroa) Rivera. Leon is survived by daughters, Susan Rivera and Lynette Gioffre; sister, Aida Atkins (Steven); brother, Artemio (Tim) Rivera and sister, Irma Lombardo (Joe); grandchildren, Jordan Soto, Kayla Soto and Cynthia Soto; Bruno Gioffre, III and Matteo Gioffre. Also surviving are nephews and nieces, Mark Beresford, Liza Beresford Dittoe, John Beresford, Lydia, Racheal and Sarah, Gabriel Rivera and Lucian Maldonado; seven great nephews and five great nieces; two great-great nephews and two great-great nieces. He was preceded in passing by his parents and sister, Sonia Maria Rivera.
Leon was a graduate of Harran High School in New York City, New York. He completed his apprenticeship with the Sheet Metal Union in New York City.
He worked in the Sheet Metal Industry in New York City, retiring after many years of dedicated service.
Leon enjoyed dancing and playing and watching Baseball. In his early years, he played in the Rookie League for the New York Yankees.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street, (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin with visitation for family and friends on Friday from 12:00 p.m. to time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be received to the family at www.flinnmaguire.net.
