Ariel Rivera

Ariel Rivera, 69, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, surrounded by his loved ones. He was the husband of Yasmin L. Rojas-Rivera, to whom he was married 18 years. A Celebration of Life tribute service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York, with Pastor Joe Fauth officiating. Viewings will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday, April 27th at the funeral home and from 9-10 AM on Saturday prior to the service. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery. Born August 28, 1948 in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Ariel was a son to the late Celestino and Angela (Flores) Rivera. He studied theology and served as a Pastor during his younger years. He went on to work as a home inspector. Ariel later went back to his Pastoral work, volunteering as Chaplain at Memorial Hospital and for the York Revolution. Mr. Rivera was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church of Greater York. He was devoted family man who put faith and family above all. He enjoyed playing the piano, nature and animals. He was a superior cook who loved to study and make new dishes. He was an artistic man who loved to create art and jewelry. Ariel had an infectious smile, a great sense of humor and a charismatic personality that drew people to him. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. In addition to his wife Yasmin, Mr. Rivera is survived by a son, Richard Alan Rivera and his wife Georgina of Tampa, FL; a daughter, Shirley Mackley and her husband Robert of Wrightsville; 11 grandchildren, Ashley, Jennifer, Ricky, Scotty, Dan, Justina, Aaron, Dillon, Dakota, Nick and Noah; eight great grandchildren, Trinity, Gavin, Briana, Dominick, Giovanni, Robby, Landen and Braxton; three brothers, Rueben, Misael and Tony, and five sisters, Gladys, Damaris, Dorcas, Abigail and Evelyn. Along with his parents, Ariel was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Fahringer; a granddaughter, Cheree Nicole Fahringer, and two sisters, Eneida and Naomi. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan Fahringer Heart of Nursing Fund, York College of PA, Development Office, Country Club Road, York, PA 17405.