Michael Allan Rivera

Michael Allen Rivera passed away early Sunday morning, April 30, 2017. Born in Detroit on August 3, 1952, the first of four children, Michael relocated to the Phoenix Area with his wife Anne in 1988 after having lived in Chicago since the family moved there from Detroit in 1968. After a stint in the army and working as a truck driver in his youth, Mike returned to college where he focused upon computer programming. After achieving an Associate’s Degree, Mike then pursued his career, split between computer programming and sales. It was in sales where Mike could express his natural effervescence and energy. Wherever he went, Mike had an uncanny ability to connect with people whoever they were. Step away from Mike for a moment, at a store for example, and upon your return you would learn from Mike all about the store clerk or other person he met, all about their family or life goals. Mike loved food, music, but most of all his Chicago sports teams, the Blackhawks, Cubs, and especially the Bears. Thankfully Mike was able to experience his beloved Cubbies win it all last year. Survived by his wife, Anne, and son, Paul, as well as his three siblings, Debi, Mark and Diana. We will all miss Michael, but he will never be forgotten.