John D Rivera

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of John D. Rivera Sr. (Juan Daniel), who left us peacefully on January 13th, 2026, with his loving wife Lucy Marie (Luz de Maria) of 63 years and children by his side. John was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

John is survived by his wife Lucy Marie (Luz de Maria), children Hugo (Lucia) Rivera, Patricia (Daniel) Marling, Beatrice Buckingham, John Rivera Jr., Barbra (Brett) Rohde, Robert (Jody) Rivera. Along with their spiritual daughter Leti Leon and daughters.

Grandchildren Adrian (Jennifer) Dellafosse, Daniel (Christine) Dellafosse, Jessica (Josh) Marling, Serena Rivera, Anita (Jose) Lerma, Alicia (Francis) Tran, Robert (Galina) Rivera, Elizabeth (Seth) Vigil, Rebecca Mulky, Stephanie and Joshua Rivera, Ariel and Belle Buckingham, Amanda (Michael) Whalley, Andrew, Sandra and Samantha Mestas, and Claire Shaw. Great grandchildren Jenae, Josephine, Adrian, Emma and Daniel Dellafosse, and Judah Hernandez. Joseph and Lorenzo Sheff, David and Annabella Montalvo, Giselle Lerma, Tatum, Luna, Lando, and Soli Tran, and Makai Mulky. Great-great grandchildren, Giovanni Montalvo.

John is preceded in death by his parents Tomás (Nila) and Ramona Rivera and sister Myrna Newell. He leaves behind siblings, Paquita Rivera Correa, Thomas Rivera Jr, José Rivera, Ivonne Rivera Rosario, and Hector Rivera, along with their families, many cousins, and nephews and nieces.

John grew up in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, enlisted in the army for a year then moved to San Francisco to join family. He met the love of his life Lucy Marie in September 1962 and they married on January 4th, 1963. John was skilled in many areas and was a diligent, hardworking, and loyal employee of the Federal Reserve Bank until his retirement. A true gentleman with a handkerchief in his pocket and the scent of cologne he would leave after a hug or on a mint.

John loved camping in Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and Pescadero. His interests included fishing, golf, photography, playing cards, playing angry birds, gardening, and Disneyland. He enjoyed a good sitcom, westerns, most genres of music and was a great dancer. He enjoyed baseball and rooting for his favorite team the San Francisco Giants or the A's, he loved his dog Benji, cat Mimi, and grandfather turtle.

A strong supporter of Bible truths led John to symbolize his life in baptism on April 9, 2011, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. His strong belief in the resurrection by means of Jesus Christ's ransom gave John comfort and hope. John spent his time along with his wife Lucy in the ministry sharing the Bible truth of a hopeful future under God's Kingdom. He also enjoyed his assignments, friends, and many experiences. He loved seeing his loving wife happy and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care and support. Also, to the staff at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest & Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service held on March 7, 2026, at 12 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 2701 Columbus St, Bakersfield.