Dr. Gilberto L. Rivera, DMD, age 87, of DeFuniak Springs passed away suddenly on April 12, 2008, at his home. Dr. Rivera was born March 5, 1921, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, to Juan Jose Rivera and Suncha Gonzalez. Dr. Rivera was of Catholic faith. He was a veteran of WWII serving his country in the United States Army as a Technical Sergeant receiving seven overseas service bars. He also served in the United States Army National Guard Infantry. Dr. Rivera went to the University of Tennessee and graduated from Tufts University in Boston, MA, with a degree of Doctor of Medical Dentistry. He also served as President of the Lakeland, TN, Lions Club where he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow for his dedicated Humanitarian services.
Dr. Rivera is survived by his loving wife Beverly J. Rivera of 60 years of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, one son Gilbert Rivera and wife Kellee of Bartlett, Tennessee, four daughters Gere Maria Rivera of Atlanta, Georgia, Julie Ann Cowgur and husband John of Bentonville, Arkansas, Jennifer Lynn Trainer and husband James of Cordova, Tennessee, and Sally Jan Dixon of Marietta, Georgia, one brother Dr. Victor Rivera of San Juan, Puerto Rico, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be conducted on 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 19, 2008, at Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis Tennessee 38117, with Reverend Cory Williams of Brunswick Cumberland Presbyterian Church officiating.
Family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
[Source: Clary-Glenn Funeral Home]
[Burial: Memphis Park Cemetery, Memphis, Tennessee]