Joe’s parents, Juan and Guadalupe, and his sister Maria, moved around the U.S. following the seasonal harvests. He spent his formative and adolescent years in California and Idaho, graduating from Weiser High School located in western Idaho. After graduation, the family moved to Texas and settled in Dallas. Joe was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War, he served his nation honorably and courageously with the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division participating in direct combat operations.
After his service in the Army, he returned to Dallas and married Tiodora “Teddi” Ocanas and raised three children, Jose Jr. (1971), Daniel (1974) and Christina (1977). They dedicated themselves to family, civic, and professional pursuits. Joe built a career at Chase Bank and in property acquisition, and was an active parishioner at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church.
Joe never retired. At the age of 79, he was active, healthy and loved to work and travel. He was proud of his family and their individual accomplishments. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family across the country and would go out of his way to see his grandkids’ and great grandkids’ sports games, plays and recitals. His wit, sharp tongue and sense of humor will be missed.
Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Teddi, his parents, Juan and Guadalupe and his sister Maria. He leaves behind his children, Jose Rivas, Jr., his wife Jennifer; Daniel Rivas, his wife Brenna; Christina Rivas-Flores and her husband Alexander; 7 grandsons - Jose Rivas III, Michael Rivas, Grayson Rivas, Erik Flores, Ryan Rivas, Andrew Flores, Mack Rivas; and 2 great granddaughters Avery Rivas and Tatum Rivas
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