Saturday, June 18, 2011

Martin Rodriguez Rivera

June 11, 1940
Tlalpan, Mexico
~
June 17, 2011
Phoenix, Arizona

 
Martin “Maestro” Rodriguez Rivera, 71, of Phoenix passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on June 17, 2011. He was born June 11, 1940 in Tlalpan, Distrito Federal, Mexico to Adalberta and Martin Rivera. A very humble and modest man, Martin was known to have literally given the shirt off of his back to those who were less fortunate. Martin had a passion for nature. He truly did love spending time at the ocean, but did not want to let anyone know his secret apprehension of entering the water. Be it a quiet time in the in his own garden, or simply sitting back in an open field enjoying the flowers, Martin had a very special understanding of what nature had to offer. Christmas was very special to him. Just as much as its religious significance, which he truly understood, but also for its time of giving, which he cherished so much. The family recollects one year that when they came home, the Christmas tree was gone, only to discover that their dad had given it to a family who was less fortunate and had nothing at all. The “family doctor”, Martin was quick to practice his old school remedies on his children, comically whenever any of the kids suffered an ailment, they were quick to hide from their dad out of fear of what crazy remedy he would have in store for them. As much as he wanted to cure his family’s illnesses, Martin was never one to complain about his own ailments. Of all the places that Martin enjoyed the most, and of all the things he enjoyed doing the most, his favorite was simply sitting at home napping. His wife’s cooking was enjoyed by him, to include a good plate of chicken and mole with arroz. Mariachi music was always something that he made time to listen to, or any type of music by a trio. Of all the Mariachi songs, he enjoyed the most, “Mexico lindo y querido”, or the song he shared with his lovely wife, Velia, “Nuestra jurramento”. Martin’s passing was sudden, but as the family has sat around and laughed and cried, they have come to understand that his memories will be with them for all time.

Martin is preceded in death by his parents, Adalberta and Martin; and his brothers, Aristeres and Aristeo. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Velia; his children, Carol Ann, Stephanie Ann, Judy, Rae Ann, Elizabeth Monica, Suzanne Rene, Angelica, Sophia Maria, and Reymundo Manuel Antonio; his sisters, Olga, Lilia, Eva, Lina, Isabela, and Julieta; his brothers Jorge, Adalberto, and Jose; 32 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Monday, June 20 from 5:00-8:00pm at Avenidas Funeral Chapel in Avondale. A second visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 21 from 5:00-6:30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Phoenix, to be followed by a service at 6:30pm. 


Please feel free to share your condolences with the family and also your thoughts with friends. Perhaps a short funny moment or cherished time you spent with this loved family member who will sorely be missed and forever remembered.

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21 comments:

  1. I will never forget you Martin. You have shown me the love of a father to his children, and the love of a husband to his wife, and I am eternally grateful.

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  2. To those of you who see this message - I want every one to know that even though I am very sad that my honey is now gone, I'm very happy that he is now in Heaven. I am very happy that he is resting and not in pain because he never wanted to live with the support of any machines. He loved life for want it was and he was a happy loving person. And because he took care of me like a queen throughout our marriage, I know that he is happy in heaven now. So for everyone that knew him and loved him be happy and rejoice for him, he would love that. I also would like everyone to know that he had a beautiful death. He went to heaven in just a peacful smile because he was no loner in pain and he knew that his family was happy for him because they loved him so much. His family knows that he is creating our path to follow him when it is our turn to go see the Lord. I LOVE YOU MY HONEY.

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  3. Fuiste mi hermano mayor, vivimos muchas cosas desde pequeños. Las tristezas no las recuerdo solo las alegrias. Recuerdo cuando tenia 15 años y tu 17 y nos ibamos a las fiestas juntos, siempre fuiste mas centrado que yo y me cuidabas mucho y sufri tanto cuando te fuiste a USA, pero me acostumbre a saber que estabas lejos sólo con la esperanza de saber que te volveria a ver, a veces en menos tiempo a veces en mas, pero ahora hermano sólo estarás en mi corazón, te amare y te recordare por siempre. Tu hermana para siempre Lina.

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  4. Hermanito te queremoss mucho, que estes en santa paz, tú ya te encontraste con muestros padres queridos, y algun día todos estaremos contigo reunidos. Nos haces mucha falta, que Dios te bendiga y que llegues ante él.

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  5. Hermano te quiero mucho y te vamos a extrañar mucho. Fuiste siempre una bendición de Dios. Ahora eres un ángel. Descanza en paz.

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  6. Citlali Gallegos RiveraJune 19, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Tío, cuando veía tu rostro no podía evitar ver a mi abuelo Martin Rivera Novoa, eras tan parecido no sólo físicamente, si no en lo humilde, bondadoso, fuerte, aguerrido... y en tantas cosas buenas más que te hacian ser un verdadero ángel, de esos que vienen al mundo sólo a poner un sonrisa en el afligido, un pan en el hambriento y un vaso con agua en el sediento. Tu fortaleza nos hizó fuertes y tu sonrisa nos hizo felices. Te has ganado a pulso tu entrada al cielo. Que Dios te bendiga. Siempre te recordaremos con mucho cariño.

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  7. Querido hermano Martín estarás siempre en mi corazón, tu sonrisa y alegría estará siempre presente así como el amor a tus hijos, tu esposa, y nuestros padres, que tu alma encuentre el eterno descanso.
    Con todo mi amor tu hermana Olga Rivera R.

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  8. Juanita De La RosaJune 19, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Val i know it hard for you and your family. I will always remember your husband he was always a very generous man with a smile. As you said he would always go out of his way to help anyone in need. I will miss him, God Bless you and your family and give you the strenth to continue your journey for one day you will be with your loving husband again to treasure all those lovely moments you once had. As you know we will always keep our Love Ones close to our Hearts and pray that their souls will rest in peace. Love you from Juanita De La Rosa

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  9. Martin was kind to me from the day I met him. I admire him very much. He always was willing to help anyone out. He taught me how a person should love his family. I do not know anyone that was so willing to give his own time and effort for others. He will be missed so much!

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  10. Martin, en tu caminar por este mundo, enfrentaste los problemas con fuerza y entereza, solicitando en todo momento el apoyo y la protección de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Diste de comer al ambriento y ayuda al necesitado. Respetaste y diste el valor a la palabra AMISTAD.Sembraste en las personas que te conocieron la semilla del amor, de la felicidad,del perdön y de la ayuda desinterezada, auxiliaste a todas las personas sin discriminación alguna.
    Martin, viviras por siempre en la mente y en el corazon de todas las personas que te conocieron porque supiste dejar huella de tu paso.

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  11. Tío hace unos meses dios nos permitió verte y compartir contigo, fueron momentos muy gratos, cómo siempre con tu risa y tus bromas, sabíamos que una parte de tu corazón siempre estaba en México con tus padres, tus hermanos y sobrinos, Te vamos a extrañar.
    Para mi Tía Velia y mis primos todo mi amor, que dios les de la fortaleza para encontrar la tranquilidad en su corazón.
    Tío Martín que dios te bendiga y que tu alma encuentre el eterno descanso. Olga Gil Rivera

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  12. Anonymous said...Rae Ann, Velia, and family -
    What a wonderful legacy Martin has given to your family and those that knew him. We are blessed to have been touched by his kind spirit and laughter...very special. Know that we are praying God's mercy and strength for you as the next step of your journey begins to unfold. We are here for you, love you, and are very sorry for your loss
    Trish & Zac Zimmerman (GA)

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  13. Rae Ann,Velia & Family,
    An exceptional man Martin was, to his family and people who came into contact with him. Truly sorry and humbled for your family's loss and I know that god heals and uplifts the soul with time and patience.
    Peace be with you and your family always.

    R.Thiruchelvam

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  14. We have your family in our thoughts and prayers. The good Lord will give you the strength to get you through this rough time, God bless you all.
    Judi Szatkowski, UCB

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  15. Being a father who love gave you Pleasure...It's the love you gave me I shall Treasure!! Whether here on Earth...or from Heaven above I will always Cherish my Daddy Martin's Love <3 Te quiero Mucho Papi con todo mi corazon!! Gracias por todo!! Your Loving Daughter Stephanie

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  16. We are very sorry about the loss of your father. A father, dad, papa or however he was addressed leaves an empty hole in your heart that only the Lord can heal. Earl and I are in WA so we would be there to comfort you but are hearts all one at this time. Grace be for the love of our Lord. Earl and Pam Neuschwander

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  17. I would like to thank God for blessing us with you in our lives. Martin you showed us your love and encouragement to finish school. I thank you for that. Like I said that half of my diploma is dedicated to you. You made sure that we got to school and didn't miss any classes. You didn't allow me to quit when I got sick. I love you Martin for sharing your honey with us. We will take good care of her for you.
    Love,
    Oralia

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  18. Raeann, Velia & Family-

    I am very sorry for your family's loss. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God's love comfort and keep you during this difficult time.

    Allison Woods

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  19. Val and Family,

    I will always remember Martin as the calm in the middle of the estrogen storm that surrounded him. He was the Ozzy to Val's Harriet; and you two always seemed to handle your children with ease, and more importantly, love. Martin leaves behind a legacy of love that his children have been able to pour forth in their own, and it will continue for generations to come. I am so sorry for the void that is in your life, but I know you have the strength to keep going and the loving family to support you when you think you can't.

    Love,
    Lucie

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  20. Raeann & Family,

    We are very sad to hear of your family's loss. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Take comfort that an angel is watching over you. Our thoughs and prayers are with you.

    Love,

    Ulises & Marie Abad (Atlanta, GA.)

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  21. Dear Raeann and family,

    So very sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Love,
    Connie Tibbie

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