Gonzalo Rivera Sr.

Deacon Gonzalo Rivera, Sr. entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 18, 2014 at a nursing home in Kingsville, Texas at the age of 86. He was born on December 14, 1927 to Rufino Rivera, Sr. and Narcisa Elizondo Rivera in Yoakum, Texas. Gonzalo was a self-employed carpenter for over 45 years and a Deacon for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for about 30 years where he also taught bible classes and helped out with the church in La Parrita as well. He also devoted numerous years of his life to several community organizations such as being a member of the Knights of Columbus, Woodsmen of the World and the Brooks County ISD School Board and he was even a Boy Scout Master, in the late 50’s.

Gonzalo was welcomed into Heaven by our Lord and his parents; wife of over 60 years, Elia Vela Rivera; daughter, Leticia Ann Rogers and great-granddaughter, Elia Rogers.

He leaves behind to cherish his legacy and memories his three sons, Humberto “Bert” (Edna) Rivera of Falfurrias, Rodolfo “Rudy” (Dortha) Rivera and Gonzalo Rivera, Jr. both of Corpus Christi, Texas; daughter, Loranda (David) Tubeville of Lufkin, Texas; Son-in-law, Randall “Smitty” Rogers; brothers, Ramiro (Gloria) Rivera of Corpus Christi, Benny (Maria Elena) Elizondo of San Diego, Texas and Rufino Rivera, Jr. of Corpus Christi; five sisters, Elodia Almendarez of Corpus Christi, Noemi Carralez of Premont, Gloria Perez of Falfurrias, Minerva (Ted) Garcia of Corpus Christi and Graciela (Joe) Cadena of Falfurrias; nine grandchildren, Michael (Rachel), Dorissa, Guile and Gary Rivera, Cristina, Cristian, Mark (Jacqueline) and Dillon Rogers and Ben Martinez, Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Caroline Rivera, Browyan and Rowen Martinez and Bella, Jackson and Sampson Rogers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2014 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias.

Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.