Remembering and Honoring Willy Rivas

Willy Alberto Rivas

 

May 18, 1984 - December 15, 2021

 

It is with profound sadness that we share with you that our beloved Willy A. Rivas passed away on December 15, 2021.

 

Willy was an amazing human being: a fierce leader, a mentor, a pillar of his community, and beloved by so many. While his untimely death causes such immense pain, we will carry the good memories he left us and the indelible mark he made in our lives. We should try to emulate the exemplary way in which Willy was able to provide such peace, grace, mentorship, and support to others. Although today we begin to mourn the loss of a man whose energy and passion were incomparable, tomorrow we will dedicate our energy to uplifting one another, as he would want us to.

 

Our Willy was more than just an Hermano of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. from the invincible IOTA Chapter, more than a proud Rutgers Alumnus, more than a husband, brother, father, and son. He was our lighthouse, a beacon of love, a champion supporter, your best cheerleader, a motivator, a nurturer, the personification of empathy and much more. He was the warmest hug on a rough day. Not missing any milestone in any of his loved ones’ lives, he was always there with a camera to capture the moments that mattered most to us. We'll miss hearing his voice and having his support in everything we do.

 

He leaves behind his parents Aura and Roni Rivas, his siblings Marilu Arent, Bayron Rivas and Maria Isabel DeLeon, his niece Elsy DeLeon, his nephews John "AJ" Arent Jr. and Enzo Kobe DeLeon, his wife Maria, his children CC and Xavier, and countless Hermanos and friends.

 

In this difficult time, we ask for your loving support to provide for his home-going services and help support the family in this new reality they must face. We know that he will continue to watch over us from above and pray that together, we can keep his light, memory, and legacy of love alive.

 

With love, respect, and our thanks,

 

The Rivas Family