Benjamin D. Rivera

Benjamin D. Rivera, 65, of Painesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 8, 1960, in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, he was the son of Jose Filomeno and Augusta (Berrios) Rivera.

Benjamin worked as a machine operator for SAS Rubber Company in Painesville and attended Iglesia Monte De Zion. He found joy in fishing, playing pool, softball, baseball, Dominos and Loteria, sharing meals, and returning to visit his beloved Puerto Rico. Above all, Benjamin cherished time spent with his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he rarely missed a chance to watch them play sports—even attending games while undergoing treatment. They were always his greatest pride and joy.

Survivors include his wife, Minerva (Maldonado) Rivera, his first girlfriend and partner of 43 years; his son, David Yosued Rivera of Conneaut; his daughters, Joselyn Rivera of Painesville and Jelitza Marie, along with her husband, Larry Jr. Barclay, of Painesville Township. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jianna Lynn Jones, Anthony Xavier Rivera, Jilianna Mari Jones, Ji’Niah Elise Jones, Darrell Yandel Barclay, and Jariel Xavier Barclay; Michele Wardrop of Conneaut, the mother of his grandson Anthony; and Jannette Gonzalez of Painesville, a close family friend who was always there for him and his wife.

Also surviving are his siblings Miriam Rivera Berrios, Luis Israel Rivera Berrios, Lydia White, Jose Efrain Rivera Berrios, William Rivera Berrios, Jose Luis Rivera Berrios, Ruth Rivera Berrios, Francisco Javier Rivera Berrios, Victor Sandel Rivera Berrios, and Adneris Rivera Berrios.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Brianna Renee Rivera, and sister Iris Nancy Rivera.

Celebration of life will be 2:00-5:00 PM, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Morse Ave Community Center, 244 Jefferson St., Painesville, OH, 44077.

The Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Benjamins family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Light a candle or leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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