Diane Rivera Riportella, the sister of Bronx Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera and daughter of Bronx Assemblyman José Rivera, died Friday night of Lou Gehrig’s disease, an illness she had been battling for five years. She was 55.
Riportella, a tireless advocate for those suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), died at her home in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, surrounded by family.
“While Diane did work hard to bring light to her debilitating disease, she also dedicated her life to raising over $100,000 for various causes,” the Rivera family said.
“After the 9/11 terrorist attack, she volunteered to cook for rescue workers at Ground Zero. And for many years, Diane even volunteered at a senior medical day center.”
Riportella wept at a hearing in Trenton in 2010 as her father testified by her side urging New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to allow medicinal marijuana usage.