Obituaries

Rev. Jose Antonio “Tony” Rivera, 81

May 25, 2021

Rev. Jose Antonio “Tony” Rivera, 81, of Lancaster, was received into the arms of his Lord and Savior on May 25, 2021. Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico he was the son of Juan B. Rivera and Mercedes Ortiz. He shared a storybook romance with his best friend, confidant and devoted wife, Febes (Cruz) Rivera for over 53 years.

Tony was a parishioner, minister and part of the pastoral team at the First Spanish Assembly of God in Lancaster, for approximately 60 years. The church would be where he and Febes’ love blossomed, and where they would later be married. He was involved in all aspects of the church from overseeing the building fund to being a Bible Institute Teacher and Sunday School teacher. He was also the Men’s Fellowship Leader of the Pennsylvania section of the Assemblies of God Spanish Eastern District. He could frequently be found doing regular maintenance around the church. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and working around the yard. Tony was retired from the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission.

He will be sorely missed by his loving wife Febes, siblings: Rev. Samuel Rivera of Florida, Luz M. Soto and Angel L. Rivera both of Lancaster, sisters-in-law: Adelaida Rivera of Florida, Judith Hernandez of East Petersburg, Alicia Galarza of Lancaster, and brother-in-law Eliseo Cruz of Lancaster as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by a sister, Carmen Rivera and a sister-in-law, Raquel Ruiz.

Guests are invited to attend a viewing on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 from 5 PM to 7 PM. On Thursday, June 3, 2021 a service will be held at the funeral home at 11 AM. A viewing will be held Thursday morning from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The First Spanish Assembly of God, c/o Building Fund, 626 S. Duke St. Lancaster, PA 17602.

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Condolences to the Family

June 02, 2021

To Febes & Family
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers at this time of such loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time. 
Blanca Tirado &  Family

June 02, 2021

Our family knew Tony as a 16 year old coming to Pa. with Johnny and Uncle Joe to work on our farm picking tomatos and working in the tobacco fields.  My brother Harold Clark was the same age and they became instant friends teaching each other English/Spanish.  We heard he was becoming a minister in Lancaster and were happy for him! One special memory of Johnny ( great father to those boys) …Harold died suddenly at age 21..at his funeral a Spanish man arrived early..cried no, no and waited for his friend Ivan Clark and our family to come.  As they finished burying my brother, two men stood side by side at his grave, crying and sharing their grief..two friends..Johnny and Ivan Clark.  I’m sure Johnny brought up Tony to be a good man, a Christian man who made a difference in lives he touched.  Jesus has welcomed him to Heaven to see his friend Harold , Johnny, Carmen and Mr. Clark again.  
June Clark Wiggins

June 01, 2021

Hermana Febes, may God grant you peace and may His loving arms hold you up. Hermano Tony will always be remembered in my heart for his passion for Christ and his authority in prayers. He will be missed. Love you Febes
Zaritzia Burgos

June 01, 2021

Dear Febes Rivera & Family:
I read in the newspaper that Antonio (“Tony”) had passed away and gone on to meet our Lord and God our Father up there in Heaven.  Tony was my buddy and my friend and colleague while working at the Lancaster City-County Human Relations Commission.  Tony assisted me in my work as the Fair Housing Specialist while located in the next office.  He was our “veteran” of human relations work and a brother in Christ.  Tony had an enormous impact on implementing human relations progress for our Latinx Community in Lancaster, PA,  particularly during the earlier years of the 1960s & 1970s and later. His certified English/Spanish Translator and people/counseling and referral skillsets were valuable tools for human relations, civil rights, and the community.  My condolences to you and the family.  A bright-light and great man has passed on, but we know that he is in the good hands of our Lord.  He will be missed by all of us.     
 
Richard W. Allen

May 31, 2021

Brother Tony will be remembered by those who knew and loved him, and on behalf of myself and the neoeves family,.I would like to give my deepest condolences to his wife febes, and to stay strong during this difficult and trying time… 
Christina Dejesus of Dallas,.Tx

May 31, 2021

Hmna. Febes, Te tenemos en nuestras oraciones en este momento y que Dios sea tu consuelo, te queremos mucho Ruth y Mercedes Rivera

May 30, 2021

Brother Tony was a servant of the Lord and he will be greatly missed!  Our condolences to his wife Febes!  We know we will see him again in the Heavens!
Luis and Wanda Torres of Austin, TX 
 

May 30, 2021

Febes, I was saddened to see in today’s paper of Tony passing. I knew his health had been declining over the past few years. Praying that you find peace and comfort from your faith, family and friends during this difficult time. Even though he’s been taken from your sight, you have your memories with your 50+ years together. Take care friend.
Deborah Bledsoe

May 30, 2021

My deepest condolences for your loss sister Febes. Brother Tony will definitely be missed because God has gained a soldier and true man of faith. He always smiled and greeted everyone to make them feel welcomed at church. He dedicated his time and life to the church and we are very grateful for him. May God have him in His glory. I’m praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time sister Febes. God bless you!
Your sister in Christ,
Jackie Rivera

May 30, 2021

Mi mas sincero sentido pesame a Febes y familia. Que la paz de Dios conforte sus vidas.
Rev. Abigail Alicea

May 30, 2021

Febes may God grant you peace and strength. Love and prayers.
Ramona Rivera Naved0

May 30, 2021

Mis condolencias para ti febes y la familia. Tengo muy lindo recuerdos siempre alegre servicial y un buen hermano en la Fe que descanse en el señor Amen.
Nancy Ivette Delgado

May 29, 2021

My condolences to u & your family.  Praying God grant u peace and comfort.  Blessings and love to you all ❤🙏🏼
Juana Rosario Torres

May 29, 2021

My deepest condolences to Febes and all who knew Tony. My oldest memories are surrounded by those in the church-the place I grew up-and Tony is in so many of those moments. He will be sorely missed. My love and prayers go out to his beloved ones. Enjoy paradise, Tony. 
Lynette Colón

Visitation
Wednesday, June 02, 2021
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Visitation
Thursday, June 03, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Thursday, June 03, 2021
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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