The Funeral Mass for Mr. Ismael Rivera will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10am from St. Patrick Catholic Church in McEwen, TN. A Rosary service will be held prior to the mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 5pm until 8pm at Taylor Funeral Home.
For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Dickson County.
Mr. Ismael Rivera, age 68, of Dickson, TN, passed away on September 9, 2024.
Ismael was a caring man, loving son and brother, as well as a dear friend to many.
He was born in New York, where he lived until the age of seven when the family moved to Puerto Rico. There he attended the University of Puerto Rico achieving a Bachelor's Degree in Education. After graduation, he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force serving four years and reaching the rank of Captain.
When he separated from the Air Force, he moved to New York and became a High School Spanish teacher while studying for his Masters Degree at Fordham University. His pursuit of learning led to his proudest achievement, completion of his degree of Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision also from Fordham University allowing him to become Rice High School assistant vice principal.
Later, he moved to Dickson Tennessee, where he worked as a Spanish teacher at Waverly High School. Señor Rivera, as he was known, was loved and respected by all his students.
Ismael was a devoted Catholic and member of St Patrick Parish working with the council as well as leading the Teen Life Center.
Ismael was also an ardent animal lover, to which his dog Cooper can attest to. When he wasn't busy working with church he would organize fundraising functions in support of animal shelters and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
He was preceded in death by his father; Ismael Rivera, and brother; John Dotson.
Survivors include his mother; Loida Betancourt, his brother; Edgard Rivera (Denise) of North Carolina, Angel Hernandez of Dickson, TN, his sisters; Debbie Champeau (Mark) of Ohio, and Jackie Gomez (Julio) of North Carolina, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
