Doroteo grew up in Mexico where he left school after the 3rd grade to start working. When he was old enough he started working at the international restaurant Monterrey House Restaurant. His employment enabled him to get all his paperwork and come to the United States. He worked at the Monterrey's in Grand Prairie where he met Rufina, who would come in and enjoy the chips and salsa. They were married August 1976.
Doroteo was a member of Guadalupanos and Christ Crusaders at Immaculate Conception where he was a member until his health declined. At that time, he began attending St. Michael the Archangel with his daughter. He participated in karate, boxing and loved lucha libre. Doroteo was a generous man who never expected anything in return. He was caring, loving and understanding. He never physically disciplined his children but had ample patience. He enjoyed being a man of few words and a jokester. He spent his free time, cooking, eating (such things as tabilitas, coffee, menudo, Modelo, sunny side up eggs and Chinese for take out) and being a prayer warrior. He loved to sing church songs and teach people how to say the rosary prayer.
Doroteo was a kind and understanding father and a devoted husband but above all he was a faithful man of God. He was always praying and even had a war room.
Doroteo is survived by his wife, Rufina Rivas; daughter Sandy Rodriguez; son-in-law Andres Rodriguez; daughter Janie Rivas; son-in-law Christopher Molina; son Randy Rivas; daughter-in-law Lori Davis; daughter Michelle Rivas; and son-in-law Juan Estrada; grandchild Andrea Rodriguez, grandchild Isabel Rodriguez, grandchild Emily Rodriguez, grandchild Melody Molina, grandchild Andrew Rodriguez, grandchild Harmony Molina, grandchild Lyric Molina, grandchild Serenity Franklin and grandchild Ariella Rivas.
Serving as pallbearers are Randy Rivas, Andres Rodriguez, Luciano Chavez, Juan Estrada, Christopher Molina, Ignacio Rivas and Matthew Muro.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Rivas family.
