RIVERA, Frank F.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 05/26/2006 Frank F. Rivera passed on to be with our Lord May 22, 2006 in Show Low, where he lived with Jan, his devoted wife of 17 years. Frank was born March 31, 1923 in Rincon, N.M. He moved to Globe in 1925 with his parents, Don Francisco and Marianita Rivera, and brothers, Manuel and Raymond. In 1943 he married his high school sweetheart, Elisa Carrizosa (affectionately known as Liche). Liche passed away in 1976. Frank served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946 as a Signalman, Second Class. He served on the USS Drew and the USS Arapaho. He was a member of the Amphibious Forces in the South Pacific and was involved in WWII action in the Philippine Liberation Battle, as well as the Ieshima and Okinawa Battles. He received one ribbon and one star for each battle. Frank was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Globe to raise his family. Frank worked 34 years for Arizona Public Service. During these years he was also involved in youth baseball as a manager and coach. He coached the first Globe Pony League All-Star Team that played in regional tournaments in San Diego, Calif. He also served as a Democratic Precinct Committee member. One of Liche and Frank's favorite pastimes was camping with their grandchildren. It was not unusual to see them almost every weekend of the summer enjoying the children at their favorite campsite in North Fork, where Frank was fondly knows as the "Mayor of the Campground." Many wonderful memories live on of those happy days and special nights around the campfire. When Frank retired, he moved to his beloved White Mountains and lived in Show Low. Frank was an avid fisherman and had his favorite hole known as Trout Creek. He also loved fishing the streams in New Mexico and Colorado. He passed his love of stream fishing on to his children and grandchildren. Frank is survived by his wife, Jan Rivera; brother, Raymond Rivera (wife, Annie); sons Frank C. Rivera (wife, Irene) and Robert C. Rivera (wife, Joann); grandchildren, Laura Lee, Christina, Elisa, Michelle, Robert J., Frank A., and Michael A.; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; his cousin, Laura Valenzuela and many nieces and nephews. Frank F. Rivera will be deeply missed by all of his family, but the legacy of being an honorable and courageous man will live on in each of his survivors. Services will be held Friday May 26 at 10 a.m. at Owens Mortuary, Show Low. Interment will be at 4 p.m. at the Globe Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.