Amparo Traverso Rivera passed away peacefully in the afternoon of April 15, 2020 of natural causes in Meriden, CT. Born in Aguada, Puerto Rico on November 3, 1928, to Margarita Villarrubia Traverso and Hipolito Traverso, Amparo was one of ten children.
Amparo married Juan Rivera Gonzalez at the tender age of 17. Her first four children, Celso, Gilberto, Francisco and Betzaida, were born in Aguada. The family then moved to Dover, New Jersey, in the 1950’s, where Amparo gave birth to Juan Jr., Irma and Edwin. While her husband worked at Rowe Manufacturing, Amparo continued to care for her home and raise her seven children in Dover. In their senior years, both Amparo and Juan enjoyed life together in Aguada, Puerto Rico and Meriden, CT.
Amparo was known to all of her neighbors and family, no matter where she lived, as genuinely kind, compassionate and the best cook in town! Her finesse’ at creating authentic Puerto Rican cuisine was known to all who knew her and she always made enough for whomever stopped by to say hello or gather for holidays. The guests numbered in the dozens on any one occasion; people were there to celebrate with Amparo and enjoy her incredibly delicious food!
Amparo was a devout Roman Catholic who was thankful for the Grace that God gave her throughout her life and trusted her Faith to get through the darkest hours of her life; namely, the deaths of her husband Juan; her sons Celso and Gilberto; and grandson Hector Jeremy Diaz. She is also pre-deceased by her parents and siblings Maria, Moises, and Matilda (Ana).
Amparo’s abundant love of family spilled over to her children, their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She is survived by her son Francisco “Ponchie” Rivera (Elisabeth) of Hebron, CT, daughter Betzaida “Mi Chica” Rivera of Meriden, CT, son Juan “Junior” Rivera (Evelyn) of Dover, NJ, daughter Irma “Bimba” Soto of Cheshire, CT and son Edwin Rivera of Hartford, CT.
She is also survived by her grandchildren whom she adored: Lalena Rivera Salafia, Celso Rivera, Jr., Joshua Rivera, Amanda Rivera, Teresa Mendoza, Adina Root, Angel Jovan Negron, Sabrina Rivera, Jessie (Jay) Soto, Shana-Lee Soto (who will always be her Chuli), Edwin Rivera, Jr., Betzy-Lee Rivera, Destiny Rivera, twenty great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Amparo is also survived by her siblings who gave unending love and support: Pedro, Andres, Juan, Pablo, Mercedes (Chele), and Cecilia.
Lovingly known as “Moms”, “Tia”, and “Abuela”, Amparo will always be remembered for her sweet and humble nature, her strong Faith in God, and as a lady who was easy to know; she was a gentle spirit with a quick smile and glint in her eye whenever she shared a lighthearted moment with those who loved her. She will be truly missed.
A memorial service will be held at a time when people can gather again to celebrate Amparo’s life.
Vaya Con Dios, Amparo!
