Special farewell to Fredi at the pub where 75-year-old spent his last night
Friends come together to remember man who died after being attacked as he walked home
Friday, 2nd May — By Isabel Loubser
Fredi Rivero was attacked as he walked home from a Holloway Road pub
FRIENDS and family have gathered to celebrate the life of a 75-year-old man who tragically lost his life after being attacked.
Fredi Rivero had been walking home after meeting friends at The Hercules pub in Holloway Road when he was assaulted in February.
Three teenage girls have been charged with manslaughter.
Mr Rivero was a regular at the bar and his fellow patrons, staff and friends remembered him as a kind and spiritual man.
Helena Gallon, manager of The Hercules, said: “This is where he came all the time. He was here that night. He left and the next day we heard someone had been attacked on Seven Sisters Road.
“It was shocking because we were saying we couldn’t believe that someone had been attacked, we never dreamt that it was someone we knew.”
She added: “He was with us the whole night. He came in at 7.45 that night, and he was the last one leaving. I said goodnight, he turned around, buttoned up his coat and left.
“He was the nicest person you could ever meet, so kind, never bothered anyone.”
Helena Gallon, manager of The Hercules, with staff member Sara Dore
Sara Dore, who works at the The Hercules, spoke of her bond with Mr Rivero. She told the Tribune: “He’d stay to talk to me at the bar, always wanting just to talk and he was so kind, and a very old soul. Very knowledgeable, he could tell you so many stories.
“He always shook my hand, kissed my hand, and made me little drawings out of my name with symbols. I’ll never forget the last conversation that we had.”
Ms Dore added: “It was just him saying to me about with everything I have in life, just to wake up every morning and to just give thanks for a roof over your head, food on the table, kids, husband because there’s a lot more people out there who don’t have that, and to keep smiling.”
Tables were filled with chocolates, bottles of wine, and hand-knitted jumpers, all donated by pub-goers who wished to help Mr Rivero’s family cover the costs of the unexpected funeral.
Prizes for the fundraising raffle
Ms Dore said: “It’s just nice to know that there is a community here, and there is a community that cares and that are kind. That’s all it is, just showing a bit of kindness and this is the result that you get.”
A raffle at the pub to help Mr Rivero’s family pay for his funeral
Mr Rivero was known for his love of football and the band Queen. His favourite songs were played throughout the evening, as friends celebrated his life. His only daughter – who wished to remain anonymous – said: “He was so sociable, he had friends from all walks of life, and he would be so friendly with everyone. It is very touching that they’re remembering my dad, and they’ve come together and they’re doing this lovely, lovely event tonight. It’s really heartwarming and really lovely and I’m really grateful. It eases the pain. It helps, every little bit helps. It’s something really sweet.”
Staff spoke of how Mr Rivero’s death had made the area feel unsafe.
Ms Gallon told the Tribune: “I feel very scared. I have two sons who live with me here in Holloway and I’ve been here 13 years and I’ve seen drastic changes. It’s not safe, it’s not safe to walk down the streets of Holloway.”
Ms Dore added: “It’s just so hard to understand what had happened to a man who didn’t deserve anything. It makes me feel absolutely disgusted, knowing that I’ve got kids, that I’ve got other family members, growing up in this area. I would move away tomorrow if I could.”
