Jose Felipe Rivera

1930 – 2019

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother peacefully entered into God’s kingdom October, 24, 2019 with his loving wife and children by his side.

Joe, the name he was known by most, was born in 1930 in the small town of Anton Chico, New Mexico to Justiniano and Carolina Rivera. He was the second eldest of 10 children. Joe’s family moved to San Bernardino, California in 1943 when he was 12 years old. He completed his schooling and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1948. Joe joined the Hod Carriers and Laborers Local Union 783 in 1951 and worked at various jobs until being drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served as a Paratrooper with the 508th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War. Upon his honorary discharged in 1953, Joe married the love of his life, Lucy Valverde, on September 6, 1953. Joe also re-entered Laborers Local 783 in 1953 where he built his career and became the Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer and retired in 1995 after 44 years of service.

Joe had a grand sense of humor with undeniable wit. He loved his family wholeheartedly and would do anything to make sure they were happy and never wanted for anything. The patriarch of our family will be truly missed and remembered by many for his unconditional love for his community.

Joe and Lucy had six children – Lucille Chavarria (Fred), Jose F. Rivera, Jr. (Deceased), Jerry Rivera (Becky), Dennis Rivera, Rosalie Rivera, and Lisa Rivera; 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife of 66 years and five of his six children.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Mountain View Mortuary, 570 E. Highland Ave. in San Bernardino. Mass and burial will be on Friday, November 22, 2019. Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1430 W. 5th Street, San Bernardino with graveside services immediately following at Mountain View Cemetery.