Obituary of Israel (Izzy) Rivera Sr.

Israel (Izzy) Burgos Rivera, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died on September 7, 2023 at home surrounded by his devoted wife Jackie and children after a four year battle with cancer.

Izzy was born on March 14, 1949, in Villalba, Puerto Rico to Monica (nee Burgos) and Felix Rivera. He moved to the Chicago suburbs as a young boy and attended North Chicago and Waukegan schools throughout his childhood. He began working at Abbott Laboratories at the age of 18 and dedicated his career to Abbott of 37 years as an engineering technician. He later became a private contractor for Abbott and then spent the last 10 years working for Arvarto.

Izzy met the love of his life Jackie and they have been together/married for 28 years and formed a loving combined family of 4 daughters; Natalie (Tom) Overton, Jamie Rivera (Tim), Amarilis Edison and Servita Reyes (Lou) along with 4 sons; Izzy Jr. (Amber) Rivera, Michael Rivera (Jennifer), Troy (Joelle) Rivera and Joseph Stewart. Their children combined created 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and one on the way.

Izzy fiercely loved his family and dedicated his life to them. He was adored and respected by many. He loved traveling, camping, dancing, and he was a master of fixing anything.

Izzy was preceded in death by: Monica Rivera, mother; Felix Rivera, father; Felicita (Fela) Martinez, sister; Felix Rivera, brother; Carmen Fernandez, sister; Justiniano (Joe) Rivera, brother; Hipolyta (Pola) Simpson, sister; Carlos Rivera, brother; Delores (Lola) Cruz, sister; Margaret Albarran, sister.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitaion on Friday September 22, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm followed by a memorial service at 7:00pm at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099