Hector Rafael Rivera, 53, survived by his loving wife Fallyn and his four beautiful daughters Breanna, Corine, Abigail and Nia and beloved by his siblings Luis, Anita, Pablo, Vivi, and passed away on December 4, 2024. Hector was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He also studied, worked and formed his life in New York.

Hector appeared to be the silent, introverted type but he was very knowledgeable at many topics and gifted at fixing just about anything. He decided to study theology where he obtained his Master’s Degree on but he also loved history. His life’s passion, besides prioritizing his family, was learning. He emphasized education above all else and always made sure to talk to his daughters about it every chance he got. He easily absorbed everything he read and the videos he saw, making him so smart and able to fix computers and everything else around the house and even at work.

If you were fortunate enough to know him intimately as his family did, you would know he was a loving husband and devoted father. Hector had a big heart and a great sense of humor. He would make you laugh even when you were mad at the moment. There was no limit to him, once he was determined he would achieve his goals. He had dreamt for a long time in having a spouse and his family and no matter what life’s obstacles would arise, it may have taken him a bit longer but he never gave up, he worked very hard and never lost sight of his dreams. He finished his degrees, worked hard and efficiently to set his lifestyle and have the family he can share it with.

Hector was everything to his family who is now all heartbroken about his sudden departure. He will be greatly missed but he would want us to keep living, he always said, “Don’t stress.”

To honor him, we should all live like he lived, prioritizing family. Quietly leading by example, taking each day and learning to do better and continue the path you set for yourself to reach your goals, never give up. Hector fulfilled his lifelong dream and surrounded himself with people who loved him. His wish would be to see them all happy. We must now honor his legacy and cherish all the valuable memories and lessons he gently taught us all.

Hector’s services will be held from 1:00pm - 4:00pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Melendez Funeral Home located at 30 Grove Street, Middletown, NY 10940. 

Obituary of Armin Weis

Born 2/19/1961 – Died June/23/2024

Armin Weis, proud owner and operator of Massage Clinic in Goshen, NY, passed away in his sleep on June 23, 2024. He is survived by his sister, Ilse Schmitt, and his brother, Werner Weis, both of whom reside in his native country of Germany. Armin also leaves behind nieces, nephews, many friends, grateful patients of his craft and his beloved dog, Aiyah.

Armin lived his life to the fullest. He was a successful banker, dancer, florist and masseur. He was always looking for something new to learn, new places to visit, new recipes to cook. He recently spoke of learning Greek and moving to Greece for his retirement. But now, he rests. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

If anyone wishes to give assistance to Armin’s friend, Sandra, who kindly adopted Aiyah, you can reach her at: sandyp@cannedfire.com to so arrange.

     Anita Bryant January 25, 1963 – May 8, 2024 On January 25, 1963, Anita Louise Bryant was born to Herbert and Ernestine Bryant in Philadelphia, PA. Anita lived with her mother, father, grandmother, and older sister Bridget in Philadelphia until 1964 when the family moved to Brooklyn, NY where her 2 younger sisters, Deidre and Yvette, were born. When Anita was about 3 years old, the family of 6 moved to Astoria, Queens where they stayed for the rest of Anita's childhood. During her early childhood years, Anita experienced frequent hospital stays for pneumonia and other illnesses. At around 5 years old, she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease, a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells. This marked the beginning of a lifelong battle with the disease. Nevertheless, Anita persisted and continued to live her life as a smart, happy, and active girl.

     Anita was a praying child who grew up to be a praying woman. Even as a young girl, Anita loved the LORD. She enjoyed going to church and Sunday School with her Uncle Bill. As she continued to experience Sickle Cell crises, she relentlessly pushed through, emerging stronger, more grateful, and with a renewed and ever growing love for God. She praised God through the peaks and even louder through the valleys. She never let her sickness stop her, dictate her mood, or damage her outlook on life.

     Anita loved life and those around her. She loved to sing. She loved to dance. She loved to jump double dutch, and she was an absolute BEAST at it. She loved handball, so much so that she joined her High School handball team. However, most of all, she loved her family.

     On November 27, 1984, Anita welcomed her first child, a son named Robert Rashwawn Isaac.On August 27, 1986 Anita welcomed her second child, a girl named Rakesha Rakima Isaac. Finally, on April 16, 1993, Anita welcomed her third child, Ava Leticia Isaac.  In 2005, Anita found out she was expecting a grandchild.  She was so happy, so that she sold her first home and bought another one closeer to where her grandchild would live. On June 19, 2006, her first grandchild, a beautiful baby girl Lashe Janess Taylor was born. That day Anita’s identity officially became Me nini. Her love was so vast and so strong that everyone who came into contact with her would now refer to her as such. Some would even affectionately call her a Me nini “to many”. Me nini and Lashe would go on to form an inseparable bond. Nine years later, on July 2, 2015, Me nini welcomed her second grandchild, another beautiful baby girl Dior Monet Lassic. Although Me nini loved her granddaughters, she desperately wanted a grandson. On March 11, 2023, her grandson Robert Azariah Isaac was born. Me nini loved her children, but her love for her grandchildren was unmatched. She was a very involved hands-on grandmother and still remained an involved handson parent to her adult children. Her children and grandchildren were her world. She did any and everything to make sure they were loved and well taken care of.

     Anita was a lifelong learner who prioritized education, hard work, and personal improvement. She graduated from William C. Bryant High School in 1981. She then went on to join the U.S. Army where she would be honorably discharged due to her illness. On December 22, 1988, Anita started her career as a correctional officer for NYC Department of Corrections. Anita remained an active and involved parent while working a demanding job in corrections. She was never satisfied with doing the bare minimum; it just wasn't in her character. On July 16, 1999, Anita was promoted to Corrections Captain. After 25 years of service, she retired on August 26, 2014.

     Anita was adventurous and always had goals she wanted to obtain in life from buying her first home in October 2002 to embarking on traveling adventures to various places including but not limited to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Italy, and Alaska. After her retirement, she continued to raise and meet the challenges she set for herself. She graduated with an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from SUNY Orange. She later on received both a Phlebotomist license as well as a real estate license. She became heavily involved in the church, ascending to the position of deaconess and secretary while also leading various community and outreach projects such as the Church's food pantry.

     Me nini was the type of person who would give you the clothes off her back. If you came to her with a problem, she would have a solution, and if she didn’t have a solution, she was quick to pray for you and let you know there’s nothing that her GOD couldn't handle. She loved the LORD, and she made sure those around her not only knew it, but felt it.      Me nini had a happy loving soul, and there were three things you could always expect her to do: break out in song, break out in dance, or break out in prayer. If the day ended in “y”, you’d probably get all three.

     On May 6, 2024, Me nini started experiencing pain symptoms from sickle cell disease. She drove herself to the E.R. (because that’s who she was, a fierce fighter). Two days later, May 8, 2024, at the age of 61, she succumbed to complications from her lifelong battle with Sickle Cell disease.On May 6, 2024, Me nini started experiencing pain symptoms from sickle cell disease.

     She drove herself to the E.R. (because that’s who she was, a fierce fighter). Two days later, May 8, 2024, at the age of 61, she succumbed to complications from her lifelong battle with Sickle Cell disease.

     Me nini was predeceased by her father Herbert Bryant and her mother Ernestine Bryant. Me nini is survived by her son Robert Rashawn Isaac, his wife Shanice Nicole Isaac, and their son Robert Azariah Isaac. Her daughter Rakesha Rakima Isaac, her children Lashe Janess Taylor and Dior Monet Lassic. Her daughter Ava Leticia Landry, her husband Jonathan Andrew Landry, and their cat children Pumpkin, Pecan and Rex Landry (her grand cats). Her 3 Siblings and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. In her final days, Me nini got a sudden urge to create her bucket list. She intended to complete everything on her list. The family asks that you take a copy of her bucket list and try to complete some of her adventures. Please feel free to let us know every time you complete something on her list. Her adventurous life and wonderful memory will live on through us all.

     In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you please make a donation to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America in Anita’s name. Donations in Anita’s name can be made here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/sickle-cell-disease-association-of-america-inc/tributememorial-donation/ava-landry

     Funeral services will be held at the Melendez funeral home, Located at 30 Grove St, Middletown, NY 10940. Viewing hours are from 2-5pm, on Sunday May 19, Honor Guard will be present.