Deacon Angel R. Rivera, 72, a retired deacon of the diocese who served at St. Benedict Joseph Labre parish, Richmond Hill, died Oct. 13 in Puerto Rico, where all arrangements took place.

A memorial Mass is scheduled at St. Benedict Joseph Labre on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. Msgr. John O’Brien will be the main celebrant.

Deacon Rivera was ordained to the permanent diaconate on May 16, 1992 and assigned to St. Benedict Joseph Labre parish, where he served for 15 years.

Msgr. O’Brien became the pastor in 1993 and worked with Deacon Rivera.

“He was willing to do anything for the people,” the monsignor said. “He was quiet, he was effective and he was the bridge between the English and Spanish communities there.”

Msgr. O’Brien added that Deacon Rivera and his wife, Maria, were active not only in the spiritual life of the parish, but also in social programs to build the kingdom of God in Richmond Hill.

He is survived by his wife and two children, Pedro and Angela.