Luis Rivera

Luis Manuel Rivera Dulanto was born on November 18, 1969 at home with help of a mid-wife in the district of Ventanilla in Callao, Peru. He was the 2nd child to Maria Luz Dulanto and Augusto Rivera. Manuel departed this life on Monday, June 22nd, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital, in New Haven Connecticut due to health complications from COVID-19.
Manuel migrated to the United States with his brother Tito at the age of 16 in pursuit of educational and employment opportunities, but most of all to join his family. Manuel was raised in Westchester, New York and graduated from Rye Neck High School. In 1994, Manuel married his high school sweetheart, Andrea Di Battista, who is the mother of his surviving children, Christian,24 Gabriel,21 and Camilla,13.
Manuel was a dedicated hard worker, who worked for companies such as Toyota, Hilton, and Crown Plaza, where he enjoyed driving hefty cars and helping others. Before his passing, Manuel was working on achieving his goal of starting his own business that providing the finest transporting services. He was looking forward to working with his sons and providing them a better future all while doing what he loves best. He also had plans to buy a house to live with his family, his mother and stepfather Pablo. He would joke around and say he wanted his mother to move in with him, so that he can enjoy all his mother's cooking to himself without having to share with his siblings.
In addition, Manuel had a part time job as the family's favorite news reporter. You knew the news was going to be good when he began with "La Ultima". He was known for having a good sense of humor and a huge appetite. When Manuel was not working, he enjoyed traveling to his native land of Peru and rekindling with childhood friends and family. Luckily he was able to visit Peru, in January of 2020, accompanied by his parents Luz and Augusto. Anytime the Peruvian Soccer team had a game, he would be front and center wearing his Peruvian Jersey. He was also a proud member of "El Señor de Milagros". Manuel was very much proud of his roots.
Anytime he walked into the room, it was hard to miss his contagious smile or belly. And when he wore his leather jacket, he transformed into Elvis Presley. He enjoyed being the life of the party and dancing the night away.
Manuel never complained about life and always had a positive outlook on the future. He always spoke highly of his children encouraging and supportive them in every way. Manuel was an amazing brother and the coolest uncle. When Manuel's father fell sick with COVID, he didn't even think twice and stood by his dad's side assisting him in every way possible. Without question of a doubt, Manuel would go above and beyond for his loved ones at no cost.
Today, Manuel will be remembered as a selfless, honorable son, father, brother and family man who always had a smile even when times were rough. Although Manuel's life ended so tragically, we will awaken his memories and celebrate his life. He will be in our hearts forever.
He is survived by his children Christian, Gabriel, Camilla, Rico, his dog, his parents, Luz and Augusto and his step dad Pablo Rojas. He is also survived by his siblings, Augusto Jr, Javier, Lucy, Giovanna, Paul, Kevin, Issac and Nancy. His extended family will miss him and continue to celebrate his legacy. In the words of Manuel, "Chimpum Callao, Carajo!!"