Sammy Rivera Named West Haven’s Hispanic Of The Year

Written by Michael P. Walsh

WEST HAVEN, CT — Sammy Rivera, a prominent Allingtown business owner known for his big heart and generous spirit, will receive West Haven’s Hispanic American of the Year award at the third Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Rossi and the West Haven Hispanic Heritage Committee will fete Rivera, a native of Cayey, Puerto Rico, at noon Sept. 24 at City Hall, 355 Main St.

The committee bestows the award annually on a Hispanic resident or couple who personifies service in the city’s thriving Hispanic American community. Last year’s ceremony was postponed because of the coronavirus.

“I am very honored, very appreciative (of the award),” said Rivera, who has owned Budget Car Wash at 936 Boston Post Road since 2017 and Budget Transmission Center, an automotive repair shop at 950 Boston Post Road that specializes in transmission repair, replacement and maintenance services, since 2005.

Rivera added: “This honor makes me feel like I’m appreciated by the mayor, who is completely business-friendly and is a friend. This recognition is something I will appreciate for the rest of my life.”

Rivera, 44, will honor his Puerto Rican lineage with dozens of friends and loved ones, along with an array of dignitaries and descendants of folks from Puerto Rico and Latin America.

Committee members and West Haven officials led by Rossi will escort Rivera to the steps of City Hall for his special recognition. A Latin-flavored lunch will follow.

West Haven’s diversity is its strength, Rossi said, and Rivera is a testament to the American dream.

“I am happy to recognize a West Haven business owner and a resident whom I also consider to be a friend,” Rossi said. “Sammy is the embodiment of the contributions Hispanic Americans make to our communities. He’s a hard worker, a family man and a generous person with community spirit.”

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15, West Haven recognizes the important legacy of Hispanic Americans and the inspiring contributions they have made to the culture and history of the United States.

Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on the civic and cultural life of America through their strong commitment to faith and family, hard work and public service. They have enhanced and shaped the national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which traces its roots to 1968, begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days during that period.

The term Hispanic refers to Puerto Rican, South American or Central American, and other Spanish cultures or origins regardless of race. On the 2020 census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic or Latino origins could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or “another Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin.”

Rossi said Rivera epitomizes the noble qualities of serving his vibrant community and carrying on the proud traditions of Puerto Rico.

Rossi lauded the civic-minded Rivera, whom she called a man of faith and family, for his wholehearted devotion to the city and its robust Hispanic American community.

At the event, Rossi will present him with a Puerto Rican flag and a mayoral citation for his good works.

Rivera will also receive an embroidered “Hispanic American of the Year” jacket.

The cultural event will include remarks by Rossi and her executive assistant, Louis P. Esposito Jr., the master of ceremonies. It will also include the singings of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Puerto Rican national anthem, “La Borinqueña.”

Rivera was born in Cayey, a mountain town and municipality in central Puerto Rico, and moved to New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood with his mother and brother in 1981 at age 4.

He attended public schools in the Elm City, including Wilbur Cross High School.

Rivera moved to West Haven in 2005 when he purchased Budget Transmission Center.

His contributions to the city include serving as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and sitting on the Redevelopment Agency.

Rivera lives with his wife of six years, Mallery, and their two children on Hamilton Street in Allingtown. He has three other children from a previous marriage.