Joaquin “Rocky” Rivero, 56, of Shacklefords, died March 15, 2013 at his home with his loving wife, Genny, by his side.

He was born in Havana, Cuba, and endured many physical challenges as a result of polio since the age of two but he never let it keep him down. He retired from Pool’s Aluminum in Newport News, Va.

He loved to hunt and fish, was a member of the NRA and was involved with the Wheelin’ Sportsmen.

Rocky was a very sentimental man and wore his heart on his sleeve, he was always the life of the party, and always looking for someone to cook him some good Cuban food. He loved animals and especially liked to rescue them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sadi and Carmen Rivero; his brother, Jorge Rivero, and nephew, Harley Jesus Rivero.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Genny Rivero; sister, Maria Shinn and husband Marty; brothers, Ernest Rivero and Jen, Richard Rivero and Kelly; sister-in-law, Laura Rivero; aunt, Mireya Lara; brothers-in-law, Wayne Jackson and wife Barbara, Billy Jackson, and Robert Jackson and wife Theresa; mother-in-law, Martha Porfilio and husband Mark; father-in-law, Wayne Jackson and wife Judy; nieces, Olivia, Ivy and Hailey; nephews, Oliver and Jeremiah; his canine kids, Sweetie and Puppy; feline kids, Callie and Little Boy, and a special group of friends he always considered “family.”

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, in the Chapel of Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point, conducted by the Rev. K. Thad Decker Jr. The family will receive friends Thursday, March 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will be private.