Mr. and Mrs. Rivera welcomed me into their family and included me in so many family events.  Meant so much to me to be around such a big,loving family. May God bless your family with peace and comfort. 

At 93 years Dad had a longer than most short life. He accomplished a lot in those years. I remember him almost always working 2 jobs to make ends meet. I thought that was the norm growing up. We were always doing something, going to Herman park ,the art museum , visiting our cousins in Houston and Livingston.  I learned that family was the main concern. Dad you have a great legacy in your children ,grand and great grandchildren. May you Rest In Peace.       Joseph and Virginia Rivera 

We always knew Uncle Mike as "our favorite uncle".  When we were growing up, he would drop by very frequently to visit my father, his older brother, Jesse, so we (my siblings and I) got to know him well.  One thing that I will always remember about Uncle Mike is that he would always dress up so well.  Whenever you saw him, he would be dressed in his coat and tie, always looking very professional.  And when he visited, he would spend time with us, talking and telling stories, and getting to know how we were doing too.  He was a lot of fun to talk to,  He never shied away from telling you what he thought, and was always up for a good debate on all kinds of topics.  

There was one thing that I will always remember Uncle Mike for and has always meant so much to me.  When my father was in the hospital with cancer, Mike would drop by every morning and take care of him.  He would shave him, and comb his hair, then spend time reinforcing his spirit.  Uncle Mike was a great source of comfort to us all, and I will always remember this act of love and kindness for his brother.  

We will all miss Uncle Mike very mch.  We extend our deepest sympathies to Mila, Grace, Mike, Joe, Mark and John, and all of your families.  We know the heartache and sorrow of losing your father.  We pray that God will be with you in this time of need, and bless you and your families with love and comfort.  

Your cousin, Lupe Rivera Ruiz

Whenever we would go see Uncle Mike Aunt he always wanted us to eat Ice cream.  He would say, "Liz get the ice cream and cookies" Give us a big smile"  and wanted to know what we have been  doing.  He made us feel welcome and Love to give advice! We will miss him! Until we meet again Unce Mike❤.

          When I was young, we would visit with Grandma and Grandma Rivera as often as Mom and Dad could get us there.  The funniest memory I have with Grandpa is when Mark and I went into Grandpa’s exercise room.  He had various exercise equipment in there and we were very curious kids.  This one contraption was like a machine with a thick belt that we would lean against, turn on, and it would shake us like crazy. Mark and I were laughing so hard and having so much fun and Grandpa came in.  He was not too happy with us messing with his equipment but could barely keep a straight face while he was telling us that it was not for children.  He tried to explain what could happen, but we kept laughing and telling him how fun it was.  Watching him trying to keep a straight face while getting onto us was even funnier.

	Grandpa was a very interesting, hardworking, and challenging person.  He always had interesting facts to share so there was something that could be learned form him.  He always expected and challenged everyone around him to be their best, and since he did not sugar coat anything, sometimes it was very frustrating. However, I believe the things he said and did for anyone was out of a place of love. I did not spend as much time with him as I should have over the years, but I have great memories to keep.

	Grandpa you will be missed!!! 
     	
Lisa Lerch


Dad had a long life and was fond of saying he was a lucky skunk; I tend to agree with that. Myself, his loving and devoted wife Milagros Rivera and my 5 brothers Mike, Joe, James, Mark and John will remember him.

My mother, Elizabeth Rivera, precedes him in death, as do 12 of his siblings of which he was the youngest and his grandson Jacob Rivera.

He is survived by 6 children, 12 grandchildren (Jennifer, Lisa, Mark, Katherine, Krystal, Paolo, Meghan, Jessica, Justine, Kathryn, Molly, Abigail); 22 great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.   

Honor flight took dad to DC a few years ago and I went as his caregiver; it was a trip I recommend you go on with a veteran.

You may send flowers to the funeral home OR if lieu of flowers you would like to donate to any Veterans group such as your local https://honorflightaustin.org/ in my father's name that too would also be greatly appreciated. 

This hour long film is about the trip we took together; it is a wonderful organization: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO9dBzmIsq8 

OBITUARY

Michael Rivera

June 8, 1927 – September 8, 2020

Earthman Southwest Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services