Jose "Chico" Abraham Rivera, Jr., age 66, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 18, 2010 in his home on Park Avenue. After graduating from Warren Harding High School in 1961, Chico entered the United States Marine Corps serving his country from 1961 to 1967 after which time he traveled extensively until finally returning to Bridgeport in 1985. Chico was retired from the Office of Attorney General of CT. Chico is survived by his wife, Engracia Gomez-Rivera; two sons, Jose Abraham Rivera, III, Hector Luis Rivera; and stepson, Edgardo Antonio Pratts of Hawaii. Chico also leaves behind his sisters, Nora Garcia, Lucy DeJesus and Iris Rivera-Martin and brother, Hector Rivera. He was predeceased by his sister, Carmen Maria Rivera and his parents, Jose "Pepe" Rivera and Otilia Rivera. Chico also leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews and 19 great-nephews and nieces. Chico was a member of the Bridgeport Democratic Committee 131st District and served as Justice of the Peace. Chico was a Charter Member of Greater Detachment, Marine Corps League, 1988 and Commandant three times. He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, Bower Post, Black Rock; American Legion at Large, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 145 and Veterans Council since 1989 currently treasurer. Chico was also Past Master and Past Secretary of the Corinthian Lodge 104. He was involved in the Bridgeport Puerto Rican Parade and a member of the Amigos of Clemente. Chico was awarded the Stanley Powell Medal (2007) from Greater Bridgeport Veterans Council and was awarded special recognition from 2nd Marine Corps Band (2007 and 2009). He was also recognized as Latino Veteran of the Year (2009) and Mayor Bill Finch thus recognized November 17, 2009 as Chico Rivera Day. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 22, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. George's Roman Catholic Church, 443 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Friends are invited to call on Sunday, February 21, 2010 in Funeraria Luz de Paz (La Funeraria de Nuestra Comunidad), 426 E. Washington Avenue, Bridgeport from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network, c/o Lizette Andino, P.O. Box 9385, Bridgeport, CT 06601 which is dedicated to scholarships for Latinos. Please sign the online register book where you can share your thoughts, memories, prayers, pictures and even videos of Chico and is found only at www.luzdepaz.com.

Published in Connecticut Post on February 20, 2010.