Dixon Sebastian Rivera-Wiscovitch, age 70 of Newberry, died Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Lexington Medical Center. Born September 28, 1953 in Santurce, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Dixon Rivera-Lugo and Olga Wiscovitch Rivera. He was married for 42 years to Linda Vines Rivera.

Dixon was a patriot, and proud of his family's legacy of service and his own time of service in the US Army. Born an "Army bratt", he traveled all over the world, as his father was assigned to duties in Germany, Italy, North Carolina and of course, South Carolina. He later finished high school back in Puerto Rico and then joined the Army himself, during which time he was stationed at Fort Jackson. After his military service, Dixon chose to stay in South Carolina, settling in Newberry, a place he had fond childhood memories of and where he met the love of his life, Linda. Together they made a life and raised a blended family, in which two of their children would also come to serve in the military.

He lived life fully, taking any opportunity to enjoy good food, spend time with family, and to appreciate his fur babies – especially Sebastian. He enjoyed simple pleasures like fishing and watching TV in his recliner. Dixon will be remembered as a sweet-hearted man who gave of himself, whether that meant being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, or simply serving as the family IT guru. He is deeply loved and dearly missed.

In addition to his wife Linda, he is survived by his children, Dixon Rivera, III (Claire) of Greenwood, Amanda Burdine of Indiana, Arthur Moody (Bridget) of Newberry, Tammie Lominick of Newberry, Rhonda Cathcart of Clinton, and Kenneth Coffey of Newberry; a sister, Olga "Jennie" Rivera-Wiscovitch of Columbia; a brother, Waldemar "Bobby" Rivera-Wiscovitch of Columbia; several grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert Vincent Rivera and his sister, Alexandria Rivera-Wiscovitch.

Graveside services will be held Monday, March 11, 2024, 3:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery by Pastor Michael Cockrell. Services will be Livestreamed at whitakerfuneralhome.com for those not able to attend in person.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org), Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org), or United Service Organizations (secure.uso.org).

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family here on the tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rivera family.