ForeverMissed
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Michael had a smile that brought light to this world and always made people around him laugh and feel joy!

Michael was a beloved husband, father, brother & son. We are forever blessed that God connected us to him.  

“We thought of you in love today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday and days before that, too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. Now all we have is memories and your picture in frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.”
This memorial website was created in loving memory & Honor of Michael Rivera by his wife, Sophia Rivera..... for their son Jordan Rivera. 



March 13
March 13
Hi Michael, I just wanted you to know that Sophia and Jordan are doing so well. Jordan is an amazing young man. He has so much of you. Your presence is still alive. Continue watching over Sophia and Jordan. You’re never forgotten. May your spirit live within us all ❤️
March 13
March 13
Happy ANGEL-versary bro! Missing you a ton but I always know you’re around us. Todays a little more rough than other days but I know you would just tell me to be strong and crack some jokes to make me laugh. With so many new life changes, it’s a bit harder to recognize you won’t be here physically — BUT I know for a fact you had some parts in sending me Rya. I always get so excited to soon be able able to share with her your impact in our lives and she’ll always know who you are.

Plus, I need to convert her into the biggest Taboo partner because I need her to be just as good at the game as Jordan is to make sure they keep that competitive nature alive for years to come. If me and you can’t argue and laugh over a game, I need them to carry on the legacy . I know Jordan and Sophia miss you a ton and I know you’re still around watching over them. We miss you. We love you. Happy ANGEL-versary 
November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Happy Birthday! Missing you a little extra today. Been a few years now where we couldn’t get into a dumb argument over Taboo and boy do I miss proving you wrong lol. Sophia is killing motherhood and holding it down. I know you’re with her ever step of the way cheering her on. Jordan is growing so fast and I can’t believe how many little mannerisms of yours he has. It’s insane but also super fun to notice. He’s an awesome kid. We miss you a ton but know you’re around throughout every step of the journey. Love you! Miss you! Happy Birthday ya old fart!
November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Happy Birthday Michael, Sophia and Jordan are doing well, Sophia is an amazing mother and Jordan is so tall and handsome. Keep watching over them. You’re deeply missed
November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Beloved. Today I would have truly loved to celebrate your 44th birthday with you, my heart aches...However, I feel so blessed to have been your wife. Thank you for the most beautiful gift of our son, Jordan. I will forever honor you through loving him strongly- he is surely Thriving. I speak of you often and we miss you and love you.

Your Wife & son
March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023
I can tell when I met your son that you were a special person, seeing his smile melted my heart and made me the luckiest person. I never got to meet you Michael, but you have a wonderful family. I can tell that you were a great father, because Jordan is a very special kid. I'm so thankful that I got to meet him, and your wife. Sophia is a great mother, friend, and guiding light to Jordan. Your son will succeed in this life, that I have no doubt. The many fathers, son talks that you had with him I can tell that he still carries them with him today. He is such an outspoken young man; you would be very proud. God bless you Michael, and may your memory always live on. 
March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023
Michael you’re a beautiful soul. Your spirit will always carry on through Jordan. ❤️ Sophia is an amazing mother. Jordan came out just like you with the love of basketball.
March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023
Michael I wish you were here to see how Jordan and Sophia are doing. Sophia is raising Jordan so well and Jordan is excelling in school and basketball. I'm so proud of them and I know you would be too. We miss you and love you. Sending my prayers to Jordan and Sophia love you both.
March 13, 2023
March 13, 2023
Today is your ANGELversary ...We miss you...We shall continue to honor & celebrate your life. Michael, you are reflected in every beautiful, happy moment we could ever have. Every time we hear laughter, we all think of Michael …every time it’s a day of sunshine, with no clouds- we think of Michael. Every time we enjoy a good meal, we think of Michael. Every time we watch a good movie, we think of Michael. The list goes on and on. Everything happy, everything beautiful, everything that is filled with LOVE..it is simply a reflection of Michael...a reminder of that happy soul. Every time we refrain from overthinking, overanalyzing... whenever we simply pause & just enjoy the current moment …when we make it a point to joke around & just have fun and be super silly… every time we are sarcastic with life, and every time we take a moment to just be PRESENT- that’s all Michael.
I love you my Beloved. Today, forever and for all Eternity- you are theee LOVE of my life and inspiration to remain positive in this cynical temporary world.
Your LIFE is celebrated and honored- within Jordan & your Loved ones!
November 20, 2022
November 20, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday Michael. You are truly missed and loved so much.
November 19, 2022
November 19, 2022
Happy birthday to my beautiful true love.
I miss you so much, happy heavenly birthday Michael. There still is NOT a single day that you don’t cross my mind …from the very first minute I wake up- I think of you my love. Throughout my day, I think of you so consistently- I find peace & comfort in thoughts of your bright smile & infectious laughter ! Jordan & I laugh at funny memories and sweet things that we shared in our private moments… even before nightfall-We think of you & Jordan loves to ask about you.

I miss you … 11/20 is a sacred date and this world was blessed by your presence. ❤️
March 14, 2022
March 14, 2022
5 years still feels like just yesterday. You are still loved and missed dearly. Sophia and Jordan miss you so much. God continues to watch over Sophia and Jordan and I pray that God continues to keep them, guide them, and grant them strength that they need.
March 12, 2022
March 12, 2022
I miss you my love. My heart is heavy
….it’s taking a lot out of me to even visit this site. We all love you so much my beautiful husband
Please God help us get through this weekend -
I will promise to resume full force with the faith & strength that we need to continue navigating this life sentence of grief.
November 20, 2021
November 20, 2021
Happy Heavenly Birthday Mike. Jordan is getting so big and he looks and acts more and more like you. You are truly missed and we know you are watching from above
November 20, 2021
November 20, 2021
Happy Birthday Michael, you are loved everyday. Sophia, I hope you and Jordan find comfort in each other and in his love. ♥️
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
March 13 is not easy for anyone, but Michael’s Angelversary is a day that we all have 1 thing in common... we all really MISS you.
We will continue to be thankful for your presence in our lives & the powerful impact that continues to resonate in our everyday lives.
March 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
Mike you are always thought of and will always be remembered. Jordan and Sophia love you so much. You have made a lasting impression on all of us which is why we will continue to remember you and love you.
March 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
Sending love and light to all who loved Michael.
March 1, 2021
March 1, 2021
I am so forever broken without you Michael, crazy how much grief can take a toll and how people grieve differently & grieve sadly apart. So many people miss you and wish to see your beautiful smile again. However, Jordan & I, feel so alone without you. We keep making the best of each day...one day at a time... for us, your absence is felt in every single minute of every single day.
We are so profoundly impacted by your loss
My Beloved Michael we Love & miss you so much it hurts! I pray every day for continued faith that God can just surround us with support on this journey of deep grief and there is no way to “move on” from this pain but I’m your honor, we are trying to “move forward...”
my faith will not fail me now... I have your beautiful son and I will hold him tighter now
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday in heaven Mike. You are truly missed. Sending love and blessings to Sophia and Jordan and the Rivera family.
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday to one special man! Michael as many have always said had a smile that lit up the room and was so quick to laugh and make you laugh. I met Michael in 6th grade and our friendship continued through the years. We became very close during our college years. I watch him play baseball, but I absolutely loved watching him play basketball. He was a talented athlete and loved playing like no one else I knew. I remember when he discovered magic, and everyday it was a new trick he was working on, I do not know how he learned his tricks, but Michael was magic on his own. I remember sitting in the living room or kitchen and him practicing and showing me his new work and I would be floored every single time. He was there for many significant times in my life and showed up when it mattered most. I regret not working harder at staying closer the last few years. Michael was also gentleman and always made sure I felt safe if we were in a new area that I was not familiar with. We were friends who wanted the best for each other and ALWAYS built each other up. Michael was great at that, making you feel good and acknowledging things that perhaps others missed. He was also grateful and would express that continuously. He loved his family beyond measure, they were paramount in his life, always. His parents were always guiding him and he wanted them to be proud. They had this way of making sure everyone knew their sons were special while also keeping them grounded He adored Joey, he was his hero from when I met him in 6th grade and that never wavered, no matter the age. He was a great friend, a great son, a great brother, a great husband, a great father, a great man who is forever missed. Think of you so often.
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday Michael! I think of you every moment of my life. You are always in my thoughts. We love you! I know that you are watching over Jordan, Sophia and the rest of the family!
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday In heaven Mike. Please continue to watch over your family, You are truly missed.
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday to one of the most amazing people I know. We've had some wonderful times together im forever grateful for the great friendship you and Mikey had. These memories will never fade away Michael! I hope you are resting peacefully. We miss you tremendously!❤
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday Michael! You are definitely missed! You left a huge impact in all our lives! Thank you for being an amazing husband to Sophia and amazing father to Jordan❤️
November 20, 2020
November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday! I light a candle on this day in honor of Michael a great friend and beloved family member. Never forgotten always missed.
May 15, 2020
May 15, 2020
Happy Anniversary to my beautiful husband & best friend in heaven..
May 15- I am honored you chose me as your wife. Today is super difficult. I’m forever broken without you- but I promise to wear a brave face for our son.
-Sophia-
March 13, 2020
March 13, 2020
I'll always remember how happy Mike made Sophia and Jordan. Mike keep smiling down on them. We will always remember you and the mark you left on all of us.
March 13, 2020
March 13, 2020
Thinking of your beautiful Michael and all of you today. Hoping you are finding comfort in each other. Sending love. ❤️
March 13, 2020
March 13, 2020
We both miss you. Since the day that you left, there has been a feeling of emptiness in our hearts. We don't think that it is ever going away. We think about you every single day, and that's not an exaggeration. We wish you could be here more than anyone...
                  Love,
                    Jordan & Sophia
March 13, 2020
March 13, 2020
To my Beautiful Husband in Heaven,
You're gone, and everyone who knew you wishes that you weren't. Everyone says that you are in a better place, but for some reason that is hard to accept. Nobody gets to see your perfect smile anymore, so for us our hearts are forever shattered. I love you with all my heart.
Your Wife,
Sophia
January 25, 2020
January 25, 2020
My condolences to Mike’s Family and may he continue to watch over us . I met Mike at the Clifton YMCA back in 2005 while playing pickup basketball games. His competitive drive always motivate me to play on his team and against his team during our pickup games . And from there we really got to know each and talk about life in general and he gave me great advices . I was very shocked to find out about this news recently .. My greatest memory of Mike is his positive energy and his way of always being a friendly person .
January 8, 2020
January 8, 2020
A golden heart stopped beating too soon. Hard working hands now resting. It certainly broke our hearts to see you go so soon .....so young. But your SHORT life was a blessing to many.... a heart full of joy & kindness......and a smile that lit up a room...... such a Beautiful soul! Your memory will be forever treasured.....and truly ... " A MAN REMEMBERED NEVER DIES". Say hello to Papi! Hugs!  :)
January 5, 2020
January 5, 2020
When I think of Mike Riv I remember him as a great basketball player and a master with a deck of cards. I remember going to mecca magic with him and we would bother the guy behind the counter to show us tricks for hours. Eventually we would buy a bunch of tricks then practice for hours. More than any of that, I remember Mike always had a smile on his face and he had the most infectious laugh. He made everyone around him a happier and better person. I was truly blessed to know him and he will never be forgotten.
January 4, 2020
January 4, 2020
I was a good friend of Mike's for most of my childhood. His laugh and smile are unmatched as well as his sense of humor. He had a way of making you feel like the funniest guy in the room because you wanted to keep him laughing. His competitiveness even in silly pickup basketball games was fierce, he definitely made me a tougher athlete. When I started my first year a Kean I was relieved Mike was there as well to help me fit in. I regret not staying close to Michael later on in life but I will cherish my memories forever. His loss was really hard to accept and he will never be forgotten.
January 4, 2020
January 4, 2020
Michael Rivera. A name that will ring loud forever not only in Clifton, but wherever any of us go in life. I could write about Mike forever, but for his family, please know he was the greatest friend someone could ask for. Kind. Caring. Compassionate. Loving. We shared so many memories. We grew up very similar, two brothers in each family with parents whose love was unmatched. I will forever miss Mike and there’s a million things I want to tell him now, but what hurts worse is what I didn’t say before he left us. I want his beautiful family to know that he touched the lives of so many with his presence alone. His smile and laugh could change your day instantly. I know he’s smiling now and will forever. God bless his family forever.
December 17, 2019
December 17, 2019
The passage of time grants us the gift of wearing away the pain of this immeasurable loss, but leaves us with the incredible memories Mike created with us all. Anyone who was lucky enough to have share even a moment with Mike undoubtedly was left with a point in time they can forever look to as a pure experience of joy and happiness.  My family and I count ourselves as supremely blessed to have spent some of happiest time in our lives growing up around Mike. Despite the seemingly overwhelming sadness of his absence, it is utterly impossible for me to think of my cousin and not smile. I am forever grateful to the universe for giving us the chance to have Mike in our lives. And I know he will always give us something to smile about. 

The Youngs
December 4, 2019
December 4, 2019
Happy belated Riv. Sorry it took so long, I've been so busy but I know you would be proud of me. You were a real one, and that will never be lost on me. You were a better friend to me in the short time we had together than people I was friends with for ten years. Every time I look at the picture of us on my wall, I can't help but smile. Miss you my guy, and I'll always keep you in my heart. Gone but not forgotten, Rest in Peace Mike.
November 27, 2019
November 27, 2019
Michael as a toddler was very sweet, loving and funny. At 3 1/2 years old, coming home from visiting my mom in Brooklyn, he wanted for us to stop at Burger King. I didn’t want to stop cause we had just eaten at my mom’s But he insisted and we did stop. He wanted 2 hamburgers, fries and drinks. I was thinking he wanted to share with his brother. As we left Burger King he insisted on carrying the bag. He stopped to give a homeless man his bag of food. Then I remembered that when we were passing the Bowery on our way to Brooklyn (Joe always gave the homeless money). I mentioned that we should’ve bought them food instead. I was very proud of Michael at such an early age showing such compassion. 
November 26, 2019
November 26, 2019
Mike was always cool to be around, he was very easy to talk to and he made Sophia and Jordan so happy. One of my favorite memories of Mike is when Jordan was first born he couldn't stop giving him kisses... Sophia would look at him and shake her head at him. I came by the house one day, Jordan was about 2/3 weeks old, and Mike was giving Jordan thousands of kisses that day and saying how cute Jordan was, I laughed as I watched them. As I sat there watching, I thought to myself that it was so great to see him be that way with Jordan. He was so happy and so excited to be a dad, Jordan's dad. He didn't hide it at all and to me that was truly a blessing to see and was something I appreciated, about him. I won't ever forget him or that memory of him.
November 25, 2019
November 25, 2019
Michael had the most beautiful smile and was always so happy. He was funny and always so nice to everyone. I last saw him at a dinner. We were sitting at the same table and he had me laughing all night. We talked about our children and I just remember his eyes lighting up when he spoke about his son, Jordan. He loved him so much and and you can just tell how proud he was to be his daddy. ❤️

Jordan..your daddy was an amazing person and was loved by so many. He was an awesome athlete and had so many fans (your Abuela was probably his biggest!) He loved you so much and I know He would be very proud of you! 
November 22, 2019
November 22, 2019
Michael always had a smile on his face. He was always laughing about something. He had a presence that always made you feel good. Michael was always positive and loved competing. He loved his family tremendously. He will always be remembered fondly and greatly missed.
November 22, 2019
November 22, 2019
The most feared pitcher in southern division was Mike Riv. I was honored to call him a friend of mine for almost 30 years and his smile will never be forgotten. I think about him often and know he’s watching all of us and smiling like he always would. “One of the best”
RIP RIV
November 21, 2019
November 21, 2019
I met Michael in high school and as anyone who knows him knows that his smile could light up any room that he walked into and his laugh was contagious. I can’t forget to mention his big eyes that he would totally use to make you forgive him if you ever got upset with him for some reason. (Like when he would say Woodrow kids were better then Columbus kids) He was a perfect combination of silly and sweet. I remember so many things about him like his passion for basketball and baseball and his love for his family. He completely idolized his brother and father and always spoke about his family with so much love and respect. He was definitely one of a kind and I am blessed to have known him. I pray his family will find the strength they need to get through every day without him. RIP Michael continue to watch over your family
November 21, 2019
November 21, 2019
Happy Birthday Michael! You’re deeply missed. Hope you’re celebrating in heaven Thank you for being such a great father to Jordan, and a great husband to my cousin Sophia❤️
November 21, 2019
November 21, 2019
Since I was about 7 years old Michael and his brother joe were like brothers to me. Michael especially. Michael his father joe and myself and my own father would always go to the diner in Clifton after we worked out or boxed at the gym. Michael would come to my house in mahwah and help me practice basketball for middle and high school, we used to meet at any gym, park, or in my own driveway because he had a passion for helping people, and a passion for sports. He was like an older brother to me. I would always go to him for advice and helped me become the man I am today. Losing him was like
Losing one of my own brothers. But I always carry his advice and memories with me at all times. My only wish for his son Jordan is to be great like his father was and to do good things in the world and find the greatest happiness possible. I still miss him everyday but seeing Jordan become the man his father was would help ease the pain of his loss and bring me and his entire family great happiness

Miss you Michael

Love you brother. I’ll see you again someday



John
November 21, 2019
November 21, 2019
Great memories of my childhood included you.Playing basketball -at the park you playing baseball and many more..You are loved by many and you are being remember daily by many.You have impacted many people ..
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Recent Tributes
March 13
March 13
Hi Michael, I just wanted you to know that Sophia and Jordan are doing so well. Jordan is an amazing young man. He has so much of you. Your presence is still alive. Continue watching over Sophia and Jordan. You’re never forgotten. May your spirit live within us all ❤️
March 13
March 13
Happy ANGEL-versary bro! Missing you a ton but I always know you’re around us. Todays a little more rough than other days but I know you would just tell me to be strong and crack some jokes to make me laugh. With so many new life changes, it’s a bit harder to recognize you won’t be here physically — BUT I know for a fact you had some parts in sending me Rya. I always get so excited to soon be able able to share with her your impact in our lives and she’ll always know who you are.

Plus, I need to convert her into the biggest Taboo partner because I need her to be just as good at the game as Jordan is to make sure they keep that competitive nature alive for years to come. If me and you can’t argue and laugh over a game, I need them to carry on the legacy . I know Jordan and Sophia miss you a ton and I know you’re still around watching over them. We miss you. We love you. Happy ANGEL-versary 
November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Happy Birthday! Missing you a little extra today. Been a few years now where we couldn’t get into a dumb argument over Taboo and boy do I miss proving you wrong lol. Sophia is killing motherhood and holding it down. I know you’re with her ever step of the way cheering her on. Jordan is growing so fast and I can’t believe how many little mannerisms of yours he has. It’s insane but also super fun to notice. He’s an awesome kid. We miss you a ton but know you’re around throughout every step of the journey. Love you! Miss you! Happy Birthday ya old fart!
His Life

How special...❤️

March 1, 2021
Wow Michael,
To witness our son still smile, while at your most favorite beach...especially now that he looks even more like you is simply... well, bitter sweet...to say the very least.
March 1, 2021
Your presence resonates here powerfully!
Always was your favorite ...
       & now will
Forever will be mine.

Missing you but still loving you through this

March 1, 2021
Michael
You Loved the food, the people, the sun & beaches here in Puerto Rico...you simply always glowed while on our family trips. I’ve kept true to our promise and will keep bringing our son to the place where (as you said) the people are the happiest...
the island is having that same effect on our baby boy- who by the way is now 10 years old. 
we miss you beyond words ...
Recent stories

♥️

March 26, 2021
I had the privilege to take Jordan to his first NBA game. My beautiful Michael, your presence Was missed more than words can ever express. I tried my best to make it fun so he could have a good experience. I wasn’t able to explain everything the way that you would have but I promise you that I made sure to share some of your favorite basketball analogies  !
“...rebounding is the ability to bounce back and get up after falling down ...“
...then, I even recalled how much you loved
Coach K ...& his basketball  analogies came to mind as well...
"look at the members of a team like the fingers of a hand. Individually, the fingers aren't as powerful as all of them coming together into a fist."
Well we love & miss you in a POWERFUL way!!
I definitely took 1 for our team and I reminded Jordan how much you loved him!
                                     ♥️your wife.

missing you more so during Basketball season

March 23, 2021
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Michael,
This basketball season makes me feel close to you, as all I can do is think of how excited you always were- come March madness. I remember trying so hard to make the perfect snacks so that we can enjoy the games together. You were always so animated! I also miss watching you coach Michael. I was always so proud of being your wife! I miss watching from the benches and cringing as you yelled like a maniac. Most times I would try to hide from parents, worrying that you yelled too loudly at the boys... but the truth is:
** Every young man that you coached became better not just athletically but truth be told, your guidance & strong character powerfully instilled such confidence and discipline in these young men! Every young man that had the priviledge to have been coached or mentored by you Michael, became thee absolute testimony of what a drastic POSITIVE impact you left in this world!!!

I know so many of your former players still live by the morals & work ethics you drilled into them! Damn Michael, I am proud of the beautiful man I married!
Phenomenal coach, teacher, leader & mentor!! We were always so proud of you my love.
❤️loving & missing you immensely, 
                                           your wife
                                                  Sophia

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