Raymond A. Rivera

“The Man, the Hero, the Myth, the Legend.”

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond Rivera-Maldonado, who departed to the heavens at the age of 82. He passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the state of Georgia, surrounded by the family who loved him dearly.

Affectionately known as “Pilo,” Raymond was born on August 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Nemecio Rivera and Angelina Maldonado. At the age of three, destiny led him to New York with his father, where he was raised and spent most of his life alongside his paternal family. Years later, his father welcomed another son, Juan Ramon Rivera.

On January 26, 1967, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served in the Vietnam War. He joined as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, famously known as the “Screaming Eagles”—a specialized unit trained in air assaults and parachute missions. He excelled in service and rose to the rank of Sergeant and would have continued to advance had it not been for injuries sustained during combat—injuries that nearly cost him his life.

Raymond completed numerous trainings and was decorated with honors such as the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Parachute Badge, and the Purple Heart for his sacrifices in battle. He was honorably discharged in 1970 due to his wounds. Despite the hardships of war and witnessing the loss of fellow soldiers, he always spoke with immense pride about his time in Vietnam.

After his military service, Raymond lived in New York where he had two children, Blanca and Anthony. He later moved to Philadelphia, surrounded by his maternal family—siblings; Carmen, María, Zenón Jr., Mimi and Barbito; nieces, nephews, and his mother—and there in a new chapter in life he became a father again to Raymond "Tony", Elizabeth "Liza", Raymond "Pilito", Michele "Michi", Jessica, Erick and Raymond "Pichón". He loved all unconditionally. 

While in Philadelphia, Raymond pursued higher education at Temple University and worked for many years as a parole officer for the city while still in military service. It was at Temple where he met the love of his life, Awilda Ramírez, his devoted wife of almost 50 years. Together, they had three more children: Cindy Rivera, who passed away just two hours after birth, Xiomara Rivera, and Wayne Lee Rivera.

In 1980, the family relocated to Luquillo, Puerto Rico, where they lived until 2011. Though Raymond was a city man at heart, he had a deep love for the countryside and the culture of his homeland. He adored life surrounded by nature—the ocean, sandy beaches, and the tropical rainforest. An entrepreneur, he owned several restaurants and sports bars in Puerto Rico and also dabbled in real estate part his life.

Raymond loved fishing, horseback riding, snorkeling, and playing pool, he loved boxing matches and watching his Favorite sport team play “The Philadelphia Eagles”. He had a generous spirit and never said no to anyone in need. He supported charitable causes faithfully, sending monthly donations to St. Jude’s and children’s organizations among others. He was a great friend. He was a joy to be around—intelligent, witty, knowledgeable in politics, history, cars, real estate you name it he knew about that subject. He was also a phenomenal cook, known for making the best lasagna in the world.

He had a talent for storytelling, jokes, and even magic tricks. Fascinated by UFOs, Greek mythology, and Ancient Egypt archeology. Raymond was a true showman. Everyone who met him loved him instantly. A foodie at heart, he especially enjoyed sausages, sandwiches Italian cuisine, and traditional Puerto Rican food like pasteles, Pernil, stewed meats with potatoes, and soups. He had a sweet tooth and always had room for cakes, pies, and chocolates, his favorite indulgence.

He was a movie buff, especially fond of Platoon, Grease, The Deer Hunter, Dracula, Saturday Night Fever, The Godfather, The Last of the Mohicans, The Patriot, The Goonies, and many 80s and 90s classics, comedy, horror and standup comedy. He enjoyed shows like Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, Family Feud, and programs from National Geographic, History, Fishing, and Archaeology. His favorite hobby “sleeping”.

Raymond loved music and dancing. His favorites included classic salsa, Elvis Presley, Latin ballads, and hits from the 60s and 70s. A wise man, he gave thoughtful advice—whether asked for or not—and truly lived life to the fullest, always giving his all. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. He was a favorite uncle and brother to many. He wasn’t perfect, but he always strove to do good.

In his later years, he returned to Philadelphia in 2011 for his wife medical care, and in pursuit of a warmer climate, moved with his family to Douglasville, Georgia, where he spent the last six and a half years of his life surrounded by nature, lakes, his beloved wife, his dog Jax, and his children and grandchildren.

He found joy in attending church, cruising for hours and shopping on his scooter, watching TV, enjoying the delicious meals cooked by his wife, and simply relaxing. He loved pedicures, massages, and having his feet rubbed. He frequently traveled between Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, and Georgia, always seeking to create more memories with his loved ones.

Raymond lived life to the fullest, and everyone who knew him was lucky to have met such a remarkable human being. Though his passing was sudden and heartbreaking, we are comforted knowing he left this world fully aware of how deeply he was loved. He will live forever in our hearts and souls, watching over us from the heavens, just as he always did here on Earth.

This is not goodbye, but see you later.

We love you, Always.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5 until 8 PM at Hollen Funeral Home, 3160 Grant Avenue (West of Academy Road) and again on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 11 AM until 12 PM. His funeral service will be held at 12 Noon. Raymond will be laid to rest at Washington Crossing National Cemetery at precisely 2:30 PM. 

To share a memory of Raymond, please visit www.hollenfuneralhomeinc.com

Florists, all deliveries must arrive at the funeral home on Wednesday by 12 Noon. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond A. Rivera, please visit our floral store.