RIVERA, Manuel M. (Manny)

Copper Basin News Hayden, Az. 7/18/2011 Manuel M. Rivera, 83, of Hayden, passed away Monday, July 4, 2011, at the University Medical Center in Tucson. He was the third child born to Refugia and Bernardino Rivera on March 19, 1928 in Litchfield, Arizona. He resided in Arizona the majority of his life. Manny was an Army veteran, serving during World War II with the Army Air Force. After serving his country, Manny worked at ASARCO for seven years as a Pipefitter. He then moved to San Diego, California where he worked at Convair and Astronautics for a total of 10 years. There he was part of a team that helped construct the Friendship Shuttle, in which John Glenn orbited the earth. In 1966, he returned to the Copper Basin area where he worked at Kennecott as a Flotation Operator until his retirement in 1990. Manny enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends. A big fan of baseball, he attended a lot of San Diego Padre Games. He also taught his children to play baseball. He devoted his time to his sons’ Little League team as manager to the El Cajon Braves. He loved watching the Diamondbacks and trying his luck at the casino. What he loved most in life was spending time with loved ones. He entertained all with his great storytelling and talent for singing his favorite Mexican songs. Manny is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eva Rose, and his three children, Manuel “Dennis” (Rose) Rivera of Dudleyville, Anna Marie Cruz of Payson, Paul (Monica) Rivera of Hayden; sister, Fidelina Diaz of Tucson; sisters-in-law, Carmen Rivera of Tucson and Mary (Oton) Villegas of Dudleyville; brothers-in- law, Joe (Sylvia) Kerlock of Dudleyville and Frank Cobo of Glendale; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and his canine companions Tacos and Missy. He is preceded in death by his son, Arthur “Peewee” Rivera, his parents, and siblings. A Rosary was recited for him Tuesday, July 12, 2011 followed by a Catholic Mass celebrated by Father Dale Branson at the St. Joseph’s Parish in Hayden.
Posted by Edward Peed on July 19, 2011

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