Joseph Gilbert Rivera

Joseph Gilbert Rivera 92, passed away of natural causes on May 28th. He was born on March 6, 1929 to Levi and Elizabeth (Valdez) Rivera of Lafayette, CO. He was one of 10 children, all who preceded him in death, except the youngest of the family Beverly Dannemiller (Ohio). Joe was married to Margaret Anne Rivera for 63 years until her death. Joe is survived by his 4 children, Rebecca (Becky) O’Gorman (Dave - husband), Connie Patterson, Gilbert J. Rivera (Connie - wife) and Elizabeth (Beth) Petrie. 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, many cousins and extended family. Dad was the youngest male in his family and they loved him for his attention to their needs and frequent visits.

Joe worked at Hoffman homes in Denver and built our Thornton home then worked as a Superintendent for Perl-Mack homes for many years, and had a hand in building our Northglenn home. After his first retirement dad did carpentry work at Martin Marietta then Rocky Flats. He was a friend to many and generous in his kindness and friendship to all. He loved to fish and was always ready for a beer, cigarette and a shot with friends. After his final retirement, he enjoyed working on his yard and garden then sitting in the sun in his final days.

As a founding member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic (IHM) parish in Northglenn, CO, he was a regular at Sunday Mass and sacraments and was prayerful in his daily life with a special devotion to Mary, the Mother of our Lord. He dearly loved his family, siblings and the various nieces and nephews. Donations in his honor can be made to IHM at their website, www.ihmco.org .