Jose Luis Rivera

Jose Luis Rivera (July 1, 1943 – September 8, 2026)

Jose Luis Rivera, 83, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, endless humor, and deep love for his family.

Born on July 1, 1943, in Comales, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Jose Luis came to the United States at the age of four. He attended Immaculate Conception School from 1st to 8th grade and graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1961. After early work as a door-to-door salesman, he moved to Corpus Christi to work in construction, honing the carpentry skills he learned from his father growing up.

In 1964, Jose Luis proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving as an aircraft mechanic until 1968. Following his service, he earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology from Texas State Technical Institute in Harlingen in 1972, later expanding his skill set with electrical coursework. Over his career, he worked with Dreumont Bros, Valley Mart, and El Chaparral before building his own business.

On September 8, 1972, Jose Luis married the love of his life, Olivia "Bibi" Lopez. They shared over 50 years together until her passing in 2022. Together, they raised their beloved daughter, Veronica Rivera. Jose Luis’s world revolved around his family, from trips to Disneyland and Disney World, camping and fishing at Falcon Lake, and navigating comical wrong turns in San Antonio while visiting his brother, to hosting many backyard cookouts.

He was a master at the grill and an adventurous eater. Jose Luis loved cooking. He loved seafood and trying exotic dishes. He was remarkably handy, always ready to build whatever project Bibi envisioned. His primary passion, however, was fishing. A long-time member of the Bass Club—who even convinced his now son-in-law, Luke, to join. In 1997, he won Big Bass in the TABC State Tournament at Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas. He was so proud.

Jose Luis had great capacity for love. He adored his parents and living close by, spent time and built lasting memories with them. He selflessly cared for them for years up through their final days. He always spoke fondly of his siblings. He deeply missed Bibi after her passing, often bragging about her creativity, wit, and endless energy. A lifelong animal lover, he and his daughter rescued many cats and dogs–even had a parrot named ChaCha. His little loves were Tammy, a chihuahua, who they had for 13 years and Freddie, a terrier mix, who, for most of his 18 years, were spent next to Jose Luis.

Following Bibi’s passing, Veronica stayed in Rio to care for him. It was a sacrifice and a blessing. The love for his daughter was always easy to see. He never held back an "I love you" or a compliment. He got to have his daughter close to him again for four years. They got to make and share meals, spend time together and make more lasting memories. He also got the bonus of his son-in-law, Luke, to share in the laughs on Oak Street. Jose Luis loved to make others laugh. It brought him so much joy when everyone was having a good time. He loved a good joke and his laughter was contagious.

Jose Luis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Olivia "Bibi" Rivera, and his parents, Luis and Margarita Rivera. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Veronica Rivera-Cox, and her husband, Luke Cox, along with his cherished siblings, Homero (Olga) Rivera, Magdalena (Raul) Avila, Rosalinda (Eden) Escobar, 6 nephews, their children, extended family, and lifelong friends.

Jose Luis was full of life, laughter and love. He will always be warmly remembered and cherished by those who knew him for a short time and those who knew him for a lifetime.

Services: Saturday, September 19, 2026. Mass at 9am, Sacred Heart (Los Garcias) RGC, and Memorial and Visitation 11am to 5pm with a rosary from 2pm-3pm at Sanchez Funeral Home.

Rio Grande City - Jose Luis Rivera, age 83, passed away at South Texas Health System, McAllen, TX, on Tuesday, September 08, 2026. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, TX.