Honoring Our Colleagues Lost to COVID-19: A Salute to VNSNY Hospice Social Worker Hector Rivera

The heroism shown by the staff of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York in tremendously challenging times is legendary. From the influenza epidemic of 1918 and the polio outbreaks of the mid-20th century, to the emergence of AIDS in the 1980s and the devastation of the 9/11 attacks and Superstorm Sandy, VNSNY’s courageous women and men have always been there to provide care and comfort to New Yorkers in troubled times, despite the risk to themselves.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Over the past two months, we have been working tirelessly and with unsurpassed determination under incredibly difficult circumstances so that our patients and plan members can continue to receive the care they need. Many of our colleagues have been stricken with COVID-19 themselves. Thankfully, most of them have recovered and many have even returned to work. Sadly and tragically, however, eight of our coworkers have died. They include six home health aides with Partners in Care, a physical therapist with VNSNY Home Care, and a social worker with VNSNY Hospice.

“These VNSNY heroes dedicated their lives to caring for others, and their contributions will never be forgotten,” says VNSNY President and CEO Marki Flannery. “We will remember them, honor them, and celebrate their lives.”

As part of this remembrance, with permission from the families, we will be publishing Frontline tributes to our fallen colleagues over the coming weeks.

Hector Rivera

Hector Rivera, a Licensed Social Worker with VNSNY Hospice for the last 12 years, was “a real Bronx boy,” says Gerard Christophers, Hospice Team Manager for the Bronx. “Hector knew everything about the Bronx—every building, every street. He routinely took on a large caseload, and applied his street smarts to everything he did for his patients.” Hector was also “a mixture of jovial and fun,” he notes, as well as a consistently strong advocate for his patients.

“Hector was a co-worker, a friend, and an encourager,” adds VNSNY Hospice Nurse Ana Robles. “He had a heart of gold, and I miss him dearly. He was always available, even on his days off. Every time I called him, he was always there to help. Even if it was not his patient, he went out of his way to find the answers to any questions I had.”

Hector Rivera with Bronx Hospice Nurse Yahaira Verdejo.

Yahaira Verdejo, also a Hospice Nurse in the Bronx, remembers the time when one of their hospice team’s patients was suffering from the summer heat. “This poor lady lived in an old fourth-floor building and had very limited financial resources,” Yahaira recalls. “The room was unbelievably hot, and she used to sit at the window seeking fresh air. Hector called to tell me he had gone to the National Liquidators Store near his house and bought an air conditioner and installed it for her. I remember how happy Hector was that day! He couldn’t rest until he knew that his patient was comfortable and safe. She was so grateful to Hector and to VNSNY!”

Monica Santiago, a Bereavement Counselor with the VNSNY Hospice Bronx team, first met Hector a number of years ago at Lincoln Hospital, where she was working as a discharge planner. “Hector would come to the unit asking for referrals to VNSNY,” she says. “He was always professional and helpful, connecting patients to community resources. In 2016, he encouraged me to interview at VNSNY Hospice as a Bereavement Counselor. I went to the interview and got the job! Hector was a close friend, brother, counselor, always able to listen and provide support.”

Hector lived in the Bronx, and is survived by his wife Alicia of 33 years and their three sons, Marvin, Christopher and Christian. “Hector was the best father, best brother, and best social worker. He gave his heart to his patients and went above and beyond,” says Alicia. “Moreover, he was also my best friend, and a gentle human being who brought joy and happiness to all around him. I will dearly miss him.”

If you would like to make a donation in Hector’s memory, please click here to visit his GoFundMe page. If you would like to submit a special story or remembrance about Hector, please send it using the Contact Us page on Frontline. We will post these responses as they come in.