Rivera was a Puerto Rican man from the Bronx, described by his sister-in-law, Peggy Fiori, as “a lot of fun.”
“He was so extraordinarily handsome,” Fiori told New York Homicide. “He always was true to himself.”
Julio grew up in “the projects,” according to Fiori, and struggled with homophobic bullying while at school, resulting in his abandoning his education. Soon, however, he found a community with other LGBTQ+ people in Queens, where he worked as a bartender.
“Julio was happy to find life in Jackson Heights,” continued Fiori. “And be loved by anyone who had time to spend with him.”