Joseph Peter Rivas

Joe P. Rivas, age 95, of Fresno, CA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 22, 2017. He was born in Reedley, CA on February 17, 1922. He was married to Mary H. Rivas. Joe was a World War II Veteran serving in the United States Army as a Private First Class with the 104th Division of the 414th Infantry, K Company. Among his commendations while in the Army is the Bronze Star. He would have also earned the Purple Heart but declined the honor so as not to worry his mother. Thanks to an interview by Paul Loeffler for his radio show, Hometown Heroes, Joe began being honored as a World War II Veteran with a trip on one of the Honor Flights. As the result of a staff member hearing the radio show on her way home to Fresno from Sacramento, CA, he was honored by Assmeblyman Michael N. Villines of the 29th Assembly District for being a Liberator of one of the many concentration camps in Germany. Joe proudly wore his army dress uniform while participating in the Annual Fresno Veteran's Day Parade. After his discharge, Joe eventually found work as a mechanic at Roma Winery from where he retired. His knowledge of machinery influenced his passion for racing modified hardtops. Friday evenings were spent racing at Kearney Bowl in Fresno. Joe also raced in Clovis, CA, and Madera, CA, until he retired from driving and became a car owner. He was a member of NASCAR during this time. Joe was a member of the VFW Post 8900 and held several board positions when he was active in the organization. Joe was preceded in death by his son, James Joseph Rivas; and his wife, Mary Hope (Leos) Rivas. He is survived by his daughter, AnnaMarie Rivas; his granddaughter, Morgan Elena Schiebelhut; his sisters, Lupe Delsid, Ruth Chavez, and Rachel Riofro; as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Visitiation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, July 13, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helen's Catholic Church on Friday, July 14, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.