Ismael Rivera

Ismael "Molly" Rivera, 90, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Visitation will be held on January 29, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm at Colonial Funeral Home, followed by a rosary at 7pm. Funeral mass will be held on January 30, 2026 at 10am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

He was born on February 12, 1935 in Cuero, Texas to the later Pedro and Anita Rivera. In 2001, he retired from Victoria County Precinct 2 from Machine Operations. Ismael was known for his love of his cattle and spending Friday's at the auction in Cuero. Ismael was a devoted Catholic. Above all else, Ismael loved his family and family gatherings. Ismael was a devoted husband, proud Dad and prouder Grandpa. There was never a dull moment when you were around him.

He is survived by his daughters, Patricia Rivera, Irma Hernandez (Alfredo), Gloria Gomez (Steve), and Diana Guajardo (Mike); son, Matthew Rivera (Michelle); son-in-law, Robbie Baker; sisters, Catherine Salazar, Selina Driscoll (Jim), Lillie Critchell, and Lucy Muniz (Manuel); brothers, Pete Rivera (Margie) and Rudy Rivera; 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Petra "Patsy" Rivera; father, Pedro Rivera; mother, Anita Rivera; daughter, Amanda Baker; and brothers, Ben Rivera and Ernest Rivera.