Lester Rivera

Lester Rivera Jr., 35, passed away tragically Wednesday morning. Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 6, 1978, the dear son of Lester Rivera Sr. and the former Hilda Valentine. He attended Amsterdam High where he excelled in sports. He was a noted half back for the Rugged Rams, winning the New York State championship in 1995. In his youth, he played for the Little Giants, and even later in life, coached his son Dante's Little Giants Football team. Lester also coached Dante's CYO basketball teams winning a championship in 2007. He played basketball as an adult for the Perth Bible League and the Over 30 League. Lester was a die- hard NY Knicks fan, but the most important facet of his life was his son, the apple of his eye and his BEST friend. He was employed in sales for Fidelis Insurance of Albany. Lester always had a beautiful, bright smile and made the best out of every situation, and had the gift to always make everyone laugh and had a lot of love for family and friends. He leaves his wife, the former Mara LaBate; son Dante; mother Hilda and her husband John Adams; brothers Danny and Gustabo Rivera; sister Esther Rivera; mother and father in law Deborah LaBate and Richard LaBate; sister in law Sara LaBate; nieces and nephews Ashley, Gideon, Aralyn, Caleb, Atalie and Antonio; dear friend Talia Orengo all of Amsterdam as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. Lester was predeceased by his dad Lester Sr., as well as his beloved "abuelas" Hilda Bonefont and Gabriella Cosme. A celebration of his life will take place today Monday at 6pm at the Time For Truth Ministries, 46 Market Street, Amsterdam. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Lester's name to a fund being established for his son Dante's education, in care of Mara Rivera. Those may be mailed to Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, who are caring for Lester and his family.