Reverend Manuel Rivera, beloved husband of Nicolasa Fuentes, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Thursday, June 7, 2018. He was a pastor for many years, pastoring churches in New York, Puerto Rico and Florida. He is known as the Pentecostal Evangelist who walked the streets looking to give someone an encouraging word. He’d drive his vehicle with speakers mounted on its roof while he shared the Gospel message. In 1949, he brought his family from Puerto Rico and settled in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY. He left sugar farming in the island and began working as a custodian for the courthouse in New York City until his retirement. He would work hard during the day, go home to refresh himself, have dinner, grab his pen and pad before going to the community center to learn English and then travelled from Brooklyn to Manhattan to Pastor the Church, just about daily.

He was a Godly and smart man who imparted wisdom on everyone he met. He was a kind and generous man who lived by example. He will remain the patriarch to many.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his sons: Hector Manuel (Emma), Moses (Aurea), Manuel Jr (Argentina), Israel Rivera and his son Samuel Crespo. Daughters: Naomi Rivera, Luz Maria (Esdras) Ramos; Nicolasa' daughters Lydia Olivo, Rebeca Cooper, Esther Velez, and Lillian Rivera. Daughters-in-law Amparo Rivera and Anna Rivera. His 40 grandchildren, 96 great grandchildren, 52 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandson. Reverend Rivera is also survived by his sister, Sarafina Duschne, including many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his former wife, Amelia Ramos Rivera, two sons, Neftali and Ruben Rivera. His parents, Antonio and Juana Crespo Rivera, his siblings, [Antonio, Felix, Carmen, Ana, Virgin...]

God Bless Reverend Manuel Otero Rivera.