Eliot C. Rivera

Eliot Charon Rivera passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 27, 2025, at his home in Jennersville, PA, at the age of 89. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Anna Class Rivera; his two sons, Eliot V. and Leonard J. (wife Shannon) and two sisters, Elizabeth Rivera and Maria Rivera of Puerto Rico.  He was a proud grandfather to Calison and Julia Rivera and Sydney Oates. Eliot was preceded in death by his cherished grandson, Justin Rivera. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to know him.

Eliot was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to Restituto Rivera and Cecelia Charon and was one of eight siblings. As a young child, he moved with his family to Brooklyn, New York, where he later met and married the love of his life, Anna, in 1956.

With a deep sense of duty and patriotism, Eliot enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps before completing high school and bravely served during the Korean War. He later continued his military career with the U.S. Army, ultimately earning an Honorable Discharge from the Army National Guard in 1996 as a Staff Sergeant with Company 1, Main Support Battalion. His dedication to service remained a source of great pride throughout his life, and he cherished the honor of wearing his uniform as recently as Veterans Day in November 2024.

Eliot found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether strumming his beloved cuatro, watching Walker, Texas Ranger, or enjoying a Costco hotdog and parfait. A devoted father, he cherished time spent with loved ones and, for many years, proudly served as Skipper of his 34-foot boat, Vida Buena, offering family and friends unforgettable tours around the Chesapeake Bay.

Eliot’s warm spirit and quick wit made him a beloved presence among family and friends, always ready with a joke or a heartfelt story to bring laughter and joy. In his later years, his devotion to his family remained unwavering. He treasured every opportunity to gather with his loved ones, especially during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. He also took great joy in celebrating Father’s Day alongside his sons and marking his grandson Justin’s birthday, moments that brought him immense happiness and pride.

Guided by his unwavering faith, he pursued his calling at Eastern Bible College in Green Lane, PA, that later grew to become Valley Forge University. He went on to serve as the pastor of a newly established Assembly of God Spanish congregation in Bethlehem, PA, before founding a church in East Greenville, PA, which later flourished into Lighthouse Gospel Tabernacle in Pennsburg, PA. His devotion to God extended beyond the pulpit, as he faithfully served on numerous church boards throughout the years. A man of deep spiritual commitment, he took great pride in reading the Bible cover to cover multiple times as part of his daily devotions, drawing strength and wisdom from God’s word.

He was employed as a truck driver for 24 years at Wampler Longacre and finished his career working at West Chester University in the Maintenance Department after moving to that area to be closer to family.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eliot’s life at a Memorial Service on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Trinity Assembly of God Church, 1022 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, PA. A receiving line will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a service from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church, where loved ones can gather to share memories and honor his legacy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eliot Rivera Family Support Fund.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Eliot's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com