Reinaldo "Ray" Rivera

Reinaldo “Ray" Rivera, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and uncle passed away on December 18, 2025, surrounded by family after a short but courageous battle with cancer; he was 64 years old.

Ray was born on September 4, 1961, in Saginaw, Ml to Agapito G. Rivera, and Maria Guadalupe Rivera. Ray married his long-time partner Susan Norman on December 31, 2017; they would celebrate eight years of marriage this year filled with love and dedication to one another. After graduating from Carrollton High School, Ray answered his calling and enlisted into the United States Army. He received an honorable discharge after four years of service to his country. He was a very hard worker, owning and operating his own successful flooring company for many years. His faith was extremely important to him; his relationship with God spoke through his actions and love for his family.

Ray's greatest joys were his family and marrying the love of his life, Susan Eileen Norman; together, they built a beautiful life in Lucedale, Mississippi. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his wife, traveling throughout the United States, making many memories together. He always made time to spend summers in Michigan, sharing stories and laughs with his beloved family. One of Ray's last and proudest moments was walking his daughter Alex down the aisle and meeting his newest granddaughter.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his children: Christina (Jacob) Spaulding, Saginaw, Ml; Alexandria (James) Sisk, Pensacola, FL; Anthony Rivera, Saginaw, Ml; and Michele Norman, Chicago, IL; eight grandkids, Ricardo, Isabella, Ariana, Mason, Maddox, Jaxson, Alianah and Marianna; a great grandson, Ario; two sisters, Dolores Nunez, Haines City, FL; Carmen (Gerald) Zamora, Saginaw, Ml; four brothers, Agapito "Gordy" Rivera, Jr., Saginaw, Ml; Valentin Rivera, Saginaw, Ml; Ruben Rivera, Saginaw, Ml; and, Eddy (Lisa) Rivera, Sun City, FL; as well as many, many nieces and nephews; and daughter-in-law, Tina Rodarte. Ray is predeceased by both of his parents, as well as a brother-in-law, Angel M. Nunez.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we are forever grateful for the love, laughter and memories Ray shared with us. His legacy of strength, kindness, faith and devotion to family will live on in those who loved him deeply.

In accordance with Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place; he will be laid to rest with full military honors. A celebration of Ray's life will be announced by the family at a later date.

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