Juan Rivera provided this remembrance of his son, who was murdered earlier this year.
Ricardo Rivera was born October 12, 1981, and died Feb. 24, 2013. He was a graduate of Chase Elementary School, and Roberto Clemente High School, and he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westwood University. Ricky was a smart young man who wanted a career in law enforcement. He loved sports, and became a huge fan of the Chicago Blackhawks. He actually predicted they would go to the championship series this season! He was learning the game of hockey, and teaching it to me as we watched the games early in the season. The same was true when we watched Bulls and Bears games.
Ricky liked helping people. He did charity work for the Speed Rascal Motorcycles Club, of which he was a member. He was working toward getting himself a bike.
He knew a lot of people. Most of them came to his funeral, along with his family. They showed up to pay their respects, and see him one more time, on March 2, 2013. Young and old came out, offered contributions to the family, and shed a few tears.
When our family got our first house last October, Ricky was happy because he wanted to be close to us, and to help with repairs. Mostly he wanted to have a place to stay permanently. We were homeless for several months before that.
We miss our son so much.
Ricardo was cremated, and his ashes are home in a room we created in his honor.
Ricky is gone, but not forgotten.
Our hearts are broken.