Miguel Ángel Rivera, conocido cariñosamente como "Migi" por sus amigos, nació el 25 de enero, del 2000, en Belle Glade, Florida, y falleció el 14 de marzo del 2025, a la edad de 25 años, en Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Hijo de María Isabel Romero y Jesús Betancourt Rivera, Miguel pasó parte de su infancia en Veracruz, México, pero regresó a vivir a Kennett, Missouri, en donde asistió a la escuela primaria, secundaria y preparatoria.

Después de graduarse de la preparatoria, Miguel se enlistó en el Cuerpo de Marina de los Estados Unidos. Como miembro orgullosamente del USMC, obtuvo el rango de cabo de lanza y sirvió con honor y distinción. Durante su servicio, Miguel estuvo estacionado en Okinawa, Japón, donde hizo vínculos de por vida y aprendió lecciones invaluables.

Además de su servicio militar, Miguel era un jugador apasionado del fútbol y era un verdadero talento en el campo. Ya fuera jugando por diversión, o en una competencia, su habilidad y pasión por el deporte era evidente para todos los que lo veían jugar. El fútbol era más que solo un deporte, para Miguel era una forma de conectarse con sus amigos y crear recuerdos inolvidables.

A Miguel lo sobrevive y sera profundamente extrañado por su madre, María Isabel Romero (José) y su padre, Jesús Betancourt Rivera, y sus dos hijas, Viviana y Daniella.

Miguel será apreciablemente recordado por sus hermanos, Jesús Rivera Jr. (Erika), Alma Rivera Castro (Peter), Jessica Rivera e Isaias Rivera.

Su memoria vivirá como "Uncle Mike" por sus sobrinos, Peter Castro, Ricardo Rivera (Celeste), Nicolás Chávez, Andrew Castro y Nathan Castro; sobrinas Alysia Rivera (Alejandro), Anneliese Rivera (Jesús) y Allie Castro; sobrina nieta, Aliana García; y sobrino nietos Alejandro García III y Jovanni Vázquez.

Miguel fue precedido en la muerte por su abuela, María Salinas, sus abuelos, Luis Rivera y Juvenal Salinas y sus tíos, Juan Salinas y César Romero Mejía.

Miguel fue un devoto y preciado hijo, padre, hermano, tío y amigo. Su compromiso con su país fue evidente en todo lo el que hacía. Era conocido por su amabilidad, su ética de trabajo y su lealtad inquebrantable a su familia y amigos. Su sonrisa era contagiosa y su sentido del humor traía alegría a todos los que lo rodeaban. Su espíritu vivirá en los innumerables recuerdos que deja atrás, y su legado de amor y amistad nunca será olvidado.

Miguel Angel Rivera, known affectionately as "Migi" by his friends, was born on January 25, 2000, in Belle Glade, Florida and passed away on March 14, 2025, at the age of 25, in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The son of Maria Isabel Romero and Jesus Betancourt Rivera, Miguel spent time as a child in Veracruz, Mexico but returned to live in Kennett, Missouri where he attended elementary, middle, and high school.

After graduating high school, Miguel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a proud member of the USMC, he attained the rank of Lance Corporal and served with honor and distinction. During his service, Miguel was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he made lifelong bonds and learned invaluable lessons.

In addition to his military service, Miguel was an avid soccer player and a true talent on the field. Whether playing for fun or in competition, his skill and passion for the game were evident to all who saw him play. Soccer was more than just a sport to Miguel – it was a way to connect with his friends and create lasting memories.

Miguel is survived and deeply missed by his mother Maria Isabel Romero (Jose) and father Jesus Betancourt Rivera, and his daughters Viviana and Daniella.

Miguel will be forever cherished and remembered by his siblings Jesus Rivera Jr. (Erika), Alma Rivera Castro (Peter), Jessica Rivera, and Isaias Rivera.

His memory lives on as "Uncle Mike" by his nephews Peter Castro, Ricardo Rivera (Celeste), Nicolas Chavez, Andrew Castro, and Nathan Castro; nieces Alysia Rivera (Alejandro), Anneliese Rivera (Jesus), and Allie Castro; great niece Aliana Garcia; and great nephews Alejandro Garcia III and Jovanni Vazquez.

Miguel was preceded in death by his grandmother Maria Salinas, grandfathers Luis Rivera and Juvenal Salinas, uncles Juan Salinas and Cesar Romero Mejia.

Miguel was a devoted and treasured son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His commitment to his country was evident in all he did. He was known for his kindness, his work ethic, and his unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. His smile was infectious, and his sense of humor brought joy to everyone around him. His spirit will live on in the countless memories he leaves behind, and his legacy of love and friendship will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be 9:00 am to 11:00 am  Saturday, March 22,2025 at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett.  Memorial Services will be at 11:00 am at the McDaniel Chapel in Kennett with Father David Baunach officiating.