Lester Rivera

Lester Rivera, Sr., 56, of West Main Street, passed away Tuesday morning at St. Peter?s Hospital in Albany after a lengthy illness. Born in Brooklyn, NY on Oct. 2, 1949, he was the son of Raul Rivera, Sr. and Gabriela Cosme. He graduated from high school and attended college in Brooklyn and lived in the Amsterdam area the past twenty years. Lester served as a civilian employee for the Merchant Seaman Union until he retired in 1992 due to disability. He was of the Pentecostal faith. An amateur horticulturist, he enjoyed cultivating indoor and outdoor plants. His loving family includes his sons, Gustabo Amy, Lester, Jr. Mara, and Danny Rivera all of Amsterdam; a daughter, Esther Sara Rivera of Amsterdam; four grandchildren, Dante, Ashley, Gideon and Aaralyn Rivera; brothers; Andy Rivera, Gabriel Bonefont, Jr., Carlos Bonefont, John Cosme and Francis Rivera; a sister, Jeannine Cosme as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Raul Rivera and Rafael Bonefont. At Lester?s request, services are at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours and contributions may be made to the St. Jude?s Children?s Research Hospital, in care of the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue.