Roberto Luis Rivas

Roberto Luis Rivas, a paragon of virtue, entered into eternal life at the age of 85 on November 16, 2025. 

A son of Santiago de Cuba, Roberto was born to Carmela and Orlando Rivas on April 28, 1940. He was the youngest of four, and “Robertico” revered his older siblings, Orlando, Jose (Che), and Caridad (Riri). They spent a bucolic childhood between their city home, ‘Vista Alegre,’ and their finca, ‘San Nicolas.’ Carmela and Orlando created a world for the Rivas children that included a love for community, friends, horses and the many animals of San Nicolas. They valued, above all, faith and a dedication and love of family. Sadly, Roberto’s father passed when he was only 13 years old. He touted Orlando’s devotion to his wife, children and animals as the foundation that he built his values upon. He spent his high school years at the Dublin School in New Hampshire, strengthening his love of learning and command of English. His college career began at the Universidad Católica de Santo Tomás de Villanueva in Havana, pursuing a career in law. 

As the horrors of the Cuban revolution took shape in the 1950s, the Rivas family was profoundly impacted. His older siblings left their beloved island to seek refuge from the vitriol and violence. Carmela, a monolith of pride and strength, refused to leave all that she and Orlando worked so hard for. Robertico remained with her, holding her up as they held tight to their country. By 1968, they were stripped of everything…their homes, their treasures, and the Cuba they knew. They sought political refuge in the United States, a country that would become one of their great loves. 

Roberto arrived in the U.S. in 1968. He became a true American patriot, profoundly grateful for the freedom this country provides to all who work hard to build a dream. In 1969, his world was forever changed when he met the one great love of his lifetime, Belinda Teuten at Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España. His ‘media naranja,’ Belinda made him laugh and love so greatly that he was whole again. They married in 1973 and began a legendary partnership that spanned over five decades, making roots in both Oceanside, New York and Miami, Florida. They welcomed twins, Cristina and Robert, in 1978. For Roberto, fatherhood was not a duty, but a calling. He was the greatest father who took joy in every single aspect of his childrens’ lives. From little league games to building life-size doll houses, Roberto was born to be a father. He was transferred to Dallas, Texas for work in 1985 and commuted every weekend back to New York for four years, missing only one weekend due to a snowstorm. His wife and children were his purpose. ‘Mi amor’ imprinted on the brains and hearts of Belinda, Cristina, and Robert. Supremely deserving, he was again blessed when Robert married Karen Ma and Cristina married Chris Laline. He so loved his new daughter and son and felt fortunate to have his family grow. But it was the births of his cherished grandchildren, Madeleine and Theodore, that truly solidified his circle of love and his Rivas legacy. 

Rich in faith. Rich in humor. Rich in courage. Richest of all in that which makes a man able to create a life of abundance in family, faith and dignity. Roberto is survived not only by his wife, Belinda, his children, Cristina, Robert, Karen and Chris and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Madeleine and Theo, but also precious nieces and nephews whom he adored and a host of friends. All who have known him agree it was an honor and a privilege. He passed in the light of God and in the peace and pride of having lived a life fully for his family and one of pure selflessness. 

In lieu of flowers, Roberto’s family kindly asks that you consider making a donation in his honor to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.