He was born in Houston on Feb. 22, 1949, to Higinio and Estella Ontiveros. He married Matilde (Matty) Mata in 1969 after having met on a blind date. To this union they enjoyed the birth of their three sons.
Ivan graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1967. He then started working right after high school for the U.S. Postal Service. In 1969 Ivan took a leave from the post office and joined the Marine Corps. and served in the Vietnam War. Ivan returned to work at the postal office and retired after 38 years at the age of 55. After retirement he spent his time taking care of his grandchildren with his wife.
He enjoyed golfing and was looking forward to catching up with his buddies at the Silver Eagles Golf Club. Fishing and hunting were also a must every season. He enjoyed volunteering as a DJ at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church for Veterans Day, because just being there making people enjoy the “old school” music was a great way to spend his music skills. He also volunteered as a DJ at the American Legion.
Ivan is survived by his wife; his sons Ivan Jr. Ontiveros and wife April; Ricardo Ontiveros and wife Emily; Vicente Ontiveros and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Ivan Ontiveros III, Bianca Ontiveros, Vicente Jr. Ontiveros, Zoey Ontiveros, Olivia Ontiveros, Bella, Lilly, and Lila Cruz; his sister Juliet Rodriguez; his brother Gustavo (Kyle) Ontiveros and numerous nieces and nephews that he enjoyed spending time with. Ivan's great sense of humor made every family gathering memorable.
Ivan is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Roberto Ontiveros (who died 18 days before Ivan) and his brother-in-law Joe E. Rodriguez whom he loved like a brother.
He belonged to St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and was looking forward to attending mass at the new location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the St. Luke Building Fund. One can donate at https://stluke.breezechms.com/give/online.
A visitation for Ivan will be held Wednesday, April 12, from 9 a.m to noon at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur there Wednesday, April 12, from noon to 12:45 p.m. A committal service will occur Wednesday, April 12, at 1:15 at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Ontiveros family.
