Claudio A. Rivera, 78, reunited with his wife on January 22, 2020, in Greeley Colorado, surrounded by family. He was born on June 6, 1941 in San Marcos, Texas to Longino Rivera & Sabina Aguliar. In his early life, he grew up in Texas but traveled often as a migrant worker.
He met his wife, the late Elvira Grimaldo & married her in 1961 in Cozad, NE. Together they had 14 children. As a family they traveled from Nebraska to Texas and finally settled in Greeley Colorado in 1987. He worked hard as a fork lift operator & was dedicated to his family. Despite obstacles, he always made life an adventure or a positive life lesson.
When he retired he enjoyed spending time with family, especially with his grandchildren, traveling, and watching old western movies. Life was never dull with Claudio; in his late years he made sure to give his children as much of a hard time as his children gave him when they were young.
Yet he always made sure his family knew that he appreciated everything and loved the attention and care.
He is survived by his children; Ruben (Lucy) Rivera, Houston TX, Lisa Rivera of Evans CO, Rudy Rivera Albuquerque NM, Claudio (Tammy) Rivera Omaha NE, Robert Rivera Greeley CO, Donna (Martin) Corral Greeley CO, Teresa Rivera- Lopez (Lolo) of Council Bluffs IA, Angie Rivera (Juan) of Greeley, Anita Montoya (Paul) of Las Vegas, NV, Jamie Rivera of Greeley CO, Rachel Rivera (James) of Greeley, CO, Neomi Rivera (Freddy) of Greeley, CO; 46 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers and three sisters: Lorenzo Rivera, Lubbock TX, Anastasio Rivera, Donna TX, Eulalia “Lala” Guevara, Lincoln NE, Ernestina Villanueva, Lubbock TX, and Lucia Lopez, Slaton, TX and many, many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife Elvira Rivera, his son Daniel, daughter Victoria, granddaughter, Tiffany and great grandchildren Demetrius Eli and Ezeqiel, sister Georgia Montolongo.
Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Interment Sunset Memorial Gardens.
