Alexander Rivera 47, of Spring Hill, Tennessee, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on September 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 11, 1979, in Defiance, Ohio, and was lovingly raised by his parents Sofia Ovalle Delgado and Daniel Delgado (Richmond, Texas).

Alex faced challenges from birth that shaped his life, but they never dimmed the joy he brought to everyone around him. Though he experienced the world differently than most, he understood love completely, and he gave it freely to his family, his friends, and his devoted caregiver, Linda Williams.

He was happiest surrounded by his favorite things: animated movies, his beloved stuffed animals, and anything that made a good, loud noise. Alex was a born jokester. Few things delighted him more than knocking something over just to see what would happen, and every tumble ended the same way, with his big, joyful laugh filling the room. Those who knew him will carry that laugh with them always.

Alex attended Good Samaritan School, in Defiance Ohio, where he made friends, was loved by staff, and found the community to learn, grow, and live. He also attended and graduated from the Harris-Hillman School in Nashville, Tennessee. Later in life he received supported living care provided by Tennessee Personal Assistance, Inc.

He was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Celia and Eduardo Ovalle (Defiance, Ohio), and his former classmate and roommate Keith. He is survived by his parents, and his siblings: Joseph Rivera (Austin, Texas), Estevan Daniel Delgado (Houston, Texas), and Christina Alena Delgado (Richmond, Texas). He is also survived by five nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in Richmond, Texas, for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities / Good Samaritan School through the Defiance Area Foundation. Click on the donate button and leave “to Good Samaritan School, in memory of Alexander Rivera” in the memo line.

www.defianceareafoundation.org