Jose Rivera Soto, 82, of Nelliston, passed away with family by his side on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at his home. 

Jose was born on Friday, October 2, 1943, in Trujilo Alto, Puerto Rico, son of the late Juan Rivera Castro and the late Antonia Soto Collazo. Jose lived in the Fort Plain area for more than 50 years and worked as a cook for Beech-Nut at the Canajoharie location. He was Protestant in faith and was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage. In his spare time, Jose enjoyed playing dominoes and solitaire, working on cars, dancing, and gardening. He also liked helping people and spending time with family and friends around a bonfire.

Survivors include: daughter, Jackie (Elvin) Santiago, son, Jose (Tara) Rivera, daughter, Keisha SanJuan, son, Michael Kile, son, David Rivera, son, Daniel Rivera, daughter, Tosha Rivera; sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, sister, Maria Gonzalez, brother, Hector Rivera, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Juan Rivera Castro and Antonia Soto Collazo, and his daughter, Rachel Munoz. 

Visiting hours will be held 10-11 AM on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Fort Plain Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY, with a memorial service to follow at 11. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jose's memory to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

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