If a life well lived is measured by laughter, love, and faith, then Grandpa Leo had a life that was worth living. Leo was a man of unwavering faith and a strong sense of family values. He was known for his warm heart, infectious smile with the distinct Rivas gap, kind words for everyone he met, and giving spirit. His remarkable life was a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the importance of cherishing the moments that Jehovah has blessed us with.
Born on July 24, 1935, to Leroy "Man" Rivas and Marjorie Knowles Rivas, Leo spent his childhood years alongside his siblings and cousins in what is now known as Bahama Village in Key West, FL.
After attending Douglas School, Leo enlisted in the United States Army and was shortly deployed to the mountains of Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War. Shortly after returning to Key West, Leo married his late wife, Pearlie Mae Rivas, and over the next 50+ years, raised his children Leo Jr. "Rudy", Linda, Larry, Lance "Ricky", and Lionel "Rodney". Yes, even as full-grown adults with families of their own, Leo's children - and grandchildren - were beholden to his life-long lessons; Lessons in faith, lessons in carpentry, plumbing, coconut pie making, late night QVC and HSN shopping, the list goes on. E V E R Y opportunity Leo had, he was determined to teach someone something...or in some cases, tell a corny joke or a long story about his time "up in them mountains".
As a father, Leo was a teacher and a protector; as a husband he was a provider and caretaker; but perhaps his greatest role was that of a Grandpa.
Without a shred of a doubt, Leo loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren - all 20 of them! Some of them he had the opportunity to see every day, some over FaceTime and the phone, others, he saw during special trips to beautiful places. Nonetheless, every time we called, through the blaring noise of the TV in the background, we could hear him yelling "hey baby", "whatcha say" or "hello" almost immediately followed by an "eh", "huh", or in his older years "hold on I can't find my hearing aid". Grandpa loved talking to his grandchildren. While he was the butt of many jokes and pranks from his grandbabies, Leo enjoyed the laughter and warmth of spending time with his family.
While many may mourn a loved one during a time of loss, we are reminded of a life well lived. A life filled with experiences, stories, love, and most importantly faith. Leo taught all of us to have an open and giving heart - without expecting anything in return - and to love and treat others as you would want to be treated.