Dionisio F. "Shorty" Rivera, 56, of New Bedford died Sunday August 7, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Cynthia R. (Bragner) Rivera.
Born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, the son of the late Josephina Rivera and Dionisio Fontanez, he had lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
Mr. Rivera was the proprietor of Barberio U.S.A. in New Bedford and in Taunton.
He was awarded the Hispanic Heritage Award for Community Service.
Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Jessica Pollard of New York, Heidi Burgo and Brenda Ascencio, both of New Bedford, and Anna Fontanez of New Hampshire; two brothers, Reinaldo Fontanez of Puerto Rico, and Tomas Fontanez of New Bedford; four sisters, Nilda Fontanez of New Bedford, Tomasita Fontanez of Puerto Rico, Migdalia Baez of Texas and Cusin Burgo of Florida; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
His Graveside Service will be held on Thursday August 11, 2005 at 9 AM in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, Wednesday August 10, 2005 from 7-9 PM.