Leonardo Macarse Rivera, Jr.

Leonardo Macarse Rivera, Jr., 62, passed away on July 13, 2015 in his hometown of Iloilo City, Philippines.

Leonardo, more familiarly known as “Leo” or “Boy” to his Filipino family and friends, moved to the United States in 1977, settling in Houston, Texas where he worked as a Respiratory Therapist at St. Luke’s and Texas Children’s Hospital. Highly respected in his profession, Leo enjoyed being able to work with people and especially the children. Outside of work, Leo displayed his athleticism, playing on basketball and softball leagues in the Filipino community.

After marrying and having his first child, Leo moved with his family to Woodbridge, Virginia in 1986. There, he worked at Potomac Hospital for over twenty years as a Respiratory Therapist. Leo immersed himself in work and was beloved by the staff and his patients. Leo had always been known as a hard worker and even picked up additional agency jobs at multiple other hospitals in the area, including Greater Southeast, Georgetown, Virginia Hospital Center and Washington Hospital Center. Those lucky enough to break him out of his reserved shell will remember his unique sense of humor.

When he was not working, you could find Leo with his signature baseball cap at his daughters’ sports events. Leo loved being near the water, where he enjoyed fishing, feeding the ducks and taking pictures. A man with many talents and hobbies, Leo was also known for his superb culinary skills, which were passed down to him from his late father.

Leo retired to the Jaro district of Iloilo, Philippines, several years ago, moving back to the childhood home he shared with his parents and siblings. Although moving across the world, Leo’s daily routine did not falter and you could still find him at the local Starbucks, every morning, reading the newspaper. After living a fulfilled life and working with his siblings to make significant improvements to his home in the Philippines, Leo, a devout Catholic, passed away at Iloilo Mission Hospital among loving friends and family.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Leonardo and Fortunata Rivera, his siblings, Evelino Rivera and Nerissa Piansay, his niece, Nyx Piansay and nephew, Rolando “Toto” Piansay, Jr. and brother-in-law, Bill Jenkyns. He is survived by his daughters, Amanda Rivera and Kristine Rivera, and siblings, Jane Jenkyns, Eldina Cortes, Felix Rivera, Lucy Cargado, Marilyn May, Poly John Rivera, his fourteen warm-hearted nieces and nephews, their loving spouses and children. A viewing is being held in the Philippines and a memorial service in the United States will be scheduled in the coming months.

From his eldest daughter: “I once asked my dad why he was wearing sunglasses inside. He told me, ‘It’s always sunny, when you’re cool.’ This little quip described my dad to a tee. He definitely followed the beat of his own drum. He played by his own rules with a kind of reckless abandon that was infectious. Regardless of whether his thoughts or actions were rationale or not, people liked him and wanted to be around him. While he may have fulfilled the role of the ‘fun dad,’ he also had a serious side, which motivated and pushed my sister and I to do well in life, often seeking his approval, which he never gave over very willingly. Despite the often ridiculous expectations he held us to, we knew we were loved. Oftentimes, this was confirmed from a third party, because my dad generally expressed his pride for us to other people, rather than to us directly. Likewise, we followed suit, and while my sister and I adored my father, we did not tell him as much as we should have or as much as he deserved.”

If you would like details about the memorial service planned for the United States, please contact Amanda Rivera at [email protected]