Edwin Rivera

Edwin Rivera, Jr., 40, a lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center. Edwin was born in Springfield on March 14, 1981, the son of the late Edwin and Karen (Basile) Rivera. He was educated in the Springfield School System. Edwin was a genuinely caring and loving human being whose life was cut too short. But the life he lived was full of what he loved most. Forever an 80's Metal Head and child of the 80's, #foreverMetalEd lived for 80's Power Metal music. Some of his favorite bands included Iron Maiden, Stryper, Dokken, Dio, Metallica, and many, many more. A local radio DJ for 90.7 WTCC FM at STCC, Edwin's "Shred with Metal Ed" show ran for several years and was his pride and joy. He was blessed to have started the band Legion with his older brother Jimmy who he learned to play guitar from and looked up to his entire life. He lived for creating and writing music and playing out for crowds. He was also a product of the video game era and devoted a lot of hours and hard work into his gaming skills. A streamer, podcaster, wrestling officionado, and all around huge personality, Edwin will be most remembered for his boisterous laugh, genuine smile, razzing of loved ones, deep love of his nieces and nephews and his desire for and loyalty to family, his love of cats (the cat whisperer), and his faith in God. Edwin is survived by his beloved wife Eileen H. (Doyle) Rivera of Springfield, a son Alex Crietien, a brother Carlos Rivera and his wife Christina of Springfield, Jen Rivera and Michael Targonski of Westfield, Tanya Lyon and her husband Kenny of Westfield and Elizabeth Rivera and Juan Marrero of Kissimee, FL. He also leaves his father and mother-in-law, Henry and Louise (Burke) Doyle of St. Albans, VT., and a sister-in-law Pam Isham of Westfield, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved extended family. Edwin’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 10 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1023 Parker Street, Springfield. Burial will follow in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery in Chicopee. Family and friends will gather and remember Edwin on Monday, January 10, 2022 from 4-6p.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield