Cesar Emilio Rivera III, born May 18, 1973, in Bronx, New York, was the oldest of three sons of Elnora Mullen Rivera and the late Cesar Emilio Rivera II.
Cesar developed a large frame early on and made good use of it on the football field during high school. In his first job at Whitestone Movie Theater, he spent his time doing what he did best: Making friends and keeping people in line. He graduated from Evander Childs High School in the Bronx, New York, in 1991.
Cesar never slowed down from there, enjoying a varied career that let him use his talent for talking to people and his bottomless charisma to leave lasting impressions in every workplace. As a security guard for University Towers Apartments, Cesar’s effortless charm quickly won over residents and made them feel safe. As an installation technician with Cox Communications, his ability and work ethic earned him great rapport with his coworkers. As a cashier with the Virginia ABC, Cesar had not lost his touch for conversing with people and making sure they left his presence with a smile. His love of music often guided him to nightspots around Hampton Roads, where he eventually became a bouncer affectionately known as “Big Ceez.” Cesar’s size was certainly intimidating, but his humor and easygoing nature would put people at ease just as quickly. The only thing bigger than his personality was his love of being with and around family. Cesar never missed an opportunity to pop in on a cousin, crack jokes on his siblings—and anyone else in the vicinity—and ask strangers and friends alike if they were okay. He was as likely to be the life of the party as he was to help with the tear-down afterward.
When he got certified as a long-distance truck driver for EPES Transport System in 2019, Cesar found ample time for his love of music and his growing interest in reestablishing his relationship with God.
Cesar’s Spiritual Journey
That journey led him to the final chapter of his life, where he reconnected with his longtime friend, Nakisha Aviles-Broadnax. Although Cesar was baptized at an early age by way of his Granny Goodwill, he confessed to Nakisha in 2020 whilst they sat privately at home, he wasn’t sure if he was saved despite his childhood baptism. It was in that moment, as a walking minister, Nakisha pulled out her bible and led him right back to Christ by way of the Romans Road through believing in his heart and confession by the mouth of his belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ followed by his prayer of repentance. Therefore, he was reassured of his salvation. However, let the record bear that on August 16, 2020, he publicly confessed and gave his life back to Christ, officially becoming a member of St. John’s Bible Fellowship Church of Frederick, Maryland. He devoted time as often as he could to fortifying his spiritual walk and building his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Nakisha bore witness to his journey as they decided in love to enter holy matrimony on July 15, 2023. However, his walk was not over: Christ led him to fulfill the next part of his spiritual journey by being baptized on October 29, 2023, alongside his stepdaughter, Je’nee Broadnax. Thank you, Holy Ghost! He then accepted his calling by becoming an ordained Deacon on July 21, 2024, by his Pastor, Julius Shern.
As it will be spoken, Cesar never met a stranger; moreover, he barely missed an occasion to minister in his own way, led by the Holy Spirit. He continuously uplifted and encouraged those along his path in spirit and in truth before he was finally called home to glory, wherein all of us believers in Christ are reassured that we will see Him again. Amen.
Cesar was called home on Monday, December 9, 2024. He was 51 and at peace.
His indomitable spirit and unshakeable love for his family is carried on by his wife Nakisha Rivera; two daughters Kaeshauna Williams-Rivera (Deandra) of Portsmouth, VA and Saniya Rivera of Norfolk, VA; two step-daughters Justina Broadnax of Frederick, MD and Je’nee Broadnax of Frederick, MD; mother Elnora Mullen Rivera of Portsmouth, VA; two brothers Antoine Rivera of Kansas City, MO and Bryan Rivera (Jenny) of Okinawa, Japan; a niece and nephew; hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and innumerable friends.
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Geraldo Rivera Jr says
December 17, 2024 at 11:51 amCousin, sorry to hear of your passing and may you rest in peace. Please know that I’m thinking of you and happy to know that you’re looking over us all. Say hi to those of our Family and Friends that will be receiving and guiding you on this latest journey. Til we meet again, God Bless.
Jacinta Harmon says
December 17, 2024 at 2:51 pmHearing of Cesar’s passing was a complete and utter shock. I’m still in disbelief. Even though our past was filled with ups and downs I wished the best for him. While he may be gone from this physical life, his Spirit is eternal and will continue to watch over all those he loved and cared about.
My sincere condolences go out to his wife, the girls, his mother, his brothers, the family he loved so much, and all the friends that he made in this life. This is is not his goodbye, just see you later. My love to you all.
Brandy Hubbard says
December 19, 2024 at 11:47 amWords can’t express the sadness I feel! You had the personality that could light up any room you walked in! Although we are cousins by blood, you were more like a nephew to me! You will be soooooo missed!!! My prayers go out to his mom who is basically my big sister, his wife, children, brothers and the rest of our beautiful family and his friends that loved Cesar so much! I pray we find strength and comfort during this most difficult time!!!
Geraldine Perry says
December 17, 2024 at 9:28 pmI used to work with Cesar on the different ships in Norfolk, VA shipyards. He was a happy and polite guy who did his job and quietly move on to his business, sending my condolences to his grieving family. R.I.P. my friend. You will be missed, Cesar Rivera.
Allen Bordley Sr says
December 18, 2024 at 10:31 amGone but not forgotten. 🙏🏽
Good man and a gentle soul. I look back at the times we had supporting the Naval Customers and the joy Cesar brought in conversation. Rest easy bro. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.🙏🏽
Calvin Williams says
December 22, 2024 at 11:30 amCesar I only got to know you for a short period of time, but you were a well mannered person with dignity and respect, which is a testament to your parents, and upbringing. I know you loved my daughter and treated her well, I’m going to miss you and definitely wish we could have spent more time together. I know you are in a better place but it’s still hard to lose one of the good ones. RIP son in-law as I know you continue to watch over your family. A pleasure to know you and I salute you my brother, gone but never forgotten. We continue to hold this Family up in Prayer!!