Juan Rivera

I attended a memorial service on April 21st for another "kid" from 55th street. It was a moving service for all who were there. There were many "kidz" in attendance, I'm sure I didn't recognize half of them. I knew Juan only as Juanita's husband but he was a well loved person and I was proud to be there to remember him.

Our hearts go out to Juanita, her children and to his sister Nilda for their loss. To them I send them this lovely poem which was read at my mother's funeral.

There Is No Death

There is no death. The life of a soul on earth lasts beyond his departure. You will always feel that life touching yours, that voice speaking to you, that spirit looking out of other eyes, talking to you in the familiar things he touched, worked with, loved as familiar friends. He lives on in your life and in the lives of all other that knew him.

Angelo Patri

For those of you far away who could not attend, following is a brief bio handed out to us at the service that I want to share with you.

In Memoriam

Juan Alberto Rivera was born on May 8, 1951 in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and is preceded in death by his parents Apolinar Rivera-Martinez and Rosa Otero-Ortiz. The family moved to Chicago while Juan and his only sibling Nilda Rivera were still very young. In 1955, they moved to Woodlawn, a small Puerto Rican community located in the city’s south side where Juan attended St. Cyril Grammar School.

Later, the family moved to the Puerto Rican community centered around 55th and Halsted. He attended Visitation Grammar School and then Tilden Tech High School graduating in 1970. Upon graduation Juan entered the University of Illinois-Chicago Campus (then called circle Campus) graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Latin American History.

While studying at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC), Juan was struck by the fact that, although the university was located in the heart of the city with a population of over 250,000 Puerto Ricans, the number of Puerto Rican students as compared to the total population was disproportionate. In addition, the university did not offer courses related to the History of Puerto Rico or the experience of Puerto Ricans here in the United States. Juan began to reach out to other Puerto Rican students who were troubled by the status quo of UIC and wanted change. Along with Mexican students who also felt under represented at the university, Juan and others began a series of meetings with UIC administration. These meetings became confrontational and contributed to the formation of Juan’s political and social views.

While the demands of the students were modest, the attitude of the university was hostile and threatening. Juan was faced with a life altering decision to either go along with the status quo and get his degree or fight a major public institution and risk expulsion. Juan courageously chose the latter.

After countless meetings, demonstrations, pickets, sit-ins, rallies and even civil disobedience, UIC relented and the Latin American studies Program was founded. This program evolved into the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES). Juan was also instrumental in demanding the university provide a physical space for Latino Students to study and host social and cultural programs. This space was named the Rafael Cintrón-Ortiz Center. All these programs continue to exist and function successfully at UIC 36 years later. They are a living testament to Juan’s commitment, work and love for his people.

Upon graduation Juan began to work in social services in the Pilsen-Little Village area of the city. Juan worked for close to 25 years as a Public Health Educator at the Cook County Jail. Juan also became active in various Puerto Rican community and political organizations. Among these, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Committee to Stop Grand Jury Repression, Committee to Free the five Puerto Rican Nationalist Prisoners and its successor, the National Committee to Free Puerto Rican Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War, La Colectiva Pedro Albizu Campos and El Movimiento de LiberaciónNacional-Puertorriqueño (MLN). Juan was also active in providing recreational activities for young people on the south side of Chicago.

In September of 1976, Juan married Juanita Medina and together they have three children, David, Angel Cristóbal and Alicia Yamil. His grandson Angel Apolinar and his sister Nilda also survive him.

Throughout Juan’s life he dearly loved his family and was devoted to them. He was a loving and caring husband, father, son, and friend. Juan never turned anyone down who needed help. Even as his health deteriorated, Juan found the strength to help his ailing father. Juan was never too sick to help anyone.

All our lives are better today because of Juan Rivera. All who had the honor and privilege of knowing him will miss him.

Rest in Peace Juan

Thanks, Norma

Afterthought:

Please feel free to leave comments by clicking on the comments tab at the bottom of the post. The first comment was from Nilda (Juan's sister) which I put in for her. She comments:

"Norma-Thank you so much for your blog on my brother Juan. There were so many people at his memorial that I know I missed a few. It meant alot to us to see to have so many share a celebration of his life. I will miss him. Please post this on your blog." Nilda.