Beneda Rivera

Beneda Rivera, 90 of Holmdel, New Jersey passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, New Jersey. Born Monday, October 8, 1934, Beneda was one of 14 children born to the late Eustaquia Felix and Ignacio Reyes. Beneda grew up on a farm in Patillas, Puerto Rico. It was there she would meet the love of her life, Paulino Rivera. The couple married and started a family of their own. In 1956, the Rivera family moved to Queens, NY. In New York their family continued to grow. For many years, Beneda worked to support her family, first as a factory worker then as a Chef when the family lived in Brooklyn. After a brief stop back in Queens, Beneda and Paulino moved to New Jersey to be closer to family. A devout Catholic, Beneda never missed a night of reciting her Rosary at 6:00 PM. Beneda would attend mass regularly at her parish, Saint Mary Mother of God Church in Middletown. In her spare time Beneda enjoyed crocheting, and making clothing for her family and friends. One of Beneda's greatest joys in life was having large gatherings and cooking for her loved ones. Beneda was a loving and caring woman who will be deeply missed by all those that were blessed to have her in their lives. Beneda was predeceased, by her husband Paulino, her son Paulino Jr., her grandson Julio Jr., and her brothers and sisters. Beneda is survived by her children, Julio Rivera (Elizabeth), Maridza Molina (Angel), Nancy Rivera (Alex Moran), Evangelina Rivera (Jason Diaz), Benny Gonzalez (Wilson), Rosalina Hartsough (David), Julissa Rivera (Jeff), by her grandchildren, Julissa Vazquez (Harry), Mario Vazquez (John Volpe), Angelica Molina, Tomas Gonzalez, Eduardo Gonzalez, David Hartsough Jr. (Cheryl), and Angelina Rivera (Roger), by her great grandson Finn Gallagher, and by her beloved nieces Teresa Lopez and Gloria Alicea. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals and Cremation Service, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday at The Church of St. Catharine at 108 Middletown Rd, Holmdel, NJ, 07733, Entombment to follow at Holmdel Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com

Beneda Rivera

October 8, 1934 - March 25, 2025