Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joe Rivera Obituary
Joe G. Rivera, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family.
Joe dedicated 36 years of service as the Cameron County Clerk, where he spearheaded numerous innovations and improvements across all departments. He was deeply committed to his community, always striving to enhance public service and meet the needs of the people.
His passion for service began early in his career through volunteer work with the Jaycees and Esperanza Home for Boys. He was also actively involved with the United Way Board of Directors and the District and County Clerks State Organization, where he made lasting contributions.
Throughout his life, Joe received numerous awards and honors, including:
· County Clerk of the Year for the State of Texas
· Recognition from the Brownsville Rotary Club
· Boy Scout Leadership Awards
· Multiple accolades from the United Way of Southern Cameron County
· A commendation for his outstanding contributions to the Cameron County Bail Bond Board
Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a cherished friend to many.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ofilia Rivera, and their children:
· Michael Rivera and his son Daniel Abasolo and his wife Lara Tomlin
· Joe Ernest Rivera and his wife Jeannette Rivera, and their children Jacquelyn Selvera and her husband Christopher Selvera, Joe Ernest Rivera Jr. and his wife Lourdes Rivera
· Robert Rivera and his wife Brenda Rivera, and their daughter Lisa Freeman and partner Frederick Robinson
· John Rivera and his wife Betty Rivera, and their children April Marie Standridge, Stephanie Rivera, Eric Rivera and his partner Kindel Byrne
· Norma Myers and her husband Mike Myers
· 10 great-grandchildren
· Sister Estella Taylor
Visitation will be held on Friday April 11, 2025 from 3:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home (945 Palm Boulevard, Brownsville, TX 78520).
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church (2800 Rockwell Dr., Brownsville, TX 78521), followed by a procession and burial to Rose Lawn Cemetery.
Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Joe Ernest Rivera Jr., Eric Rivera, Lucino Rosenbaum, Christopher Selvera, Duane Rivera, Kenneth Reyna, Chuck Ramon and Roman Gomez.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jacquelyn Selvera, Lynn Cruz, Mark Reyna, Robert Taylor, Oscar Tullos, Ruben Garcia, Tony Garza, Ralph Cowen, Freddy Elizondo, Rolando Olvera, Antonio Silva, Rudy Gomez, Mike Lopez, Traci Wickett, Bennie Ochoa and Senator Eddie Lucio.
Joe’s legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to his family and community will forever be remembered.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Catholiccharitiesrgv.org in memory of Joe G. Rivera or American Heart Association at Heart.org
With profound love and remembrance, the family of Joe G. Rivera have entrusted his funeral arrangements to Freddy & Lenny Elizondo - Funeral Directors/Owners at Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Avenue Harlingen, TX 78550. You may contact us at (956)364-2444 or visit us at www.trinityfunerals.com
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Rivera
James Mark Higginbotham
April 15, 2025
Our heart felt condolences go out to the family of Joe G. Rivera. Thank you for his service to our community and standing behind him for all those years of his service. May he RIP
Baldemar Alaniz
April 12, 2025
Our condolences
To our best friend
Hon.joe Rivera
Will for ever be
Grateful of you
Friendship
Mr. Mrs Leonel
Petra Alaniz
Former Mayor
Baldemar Alaniz
Port Isabel amen
Rest in peace
Ramon Fernandez Jr
April 11, 2025
Marta and I offer our sincerest condolences to the Rivera Family. Joe was a wonderful man that cared deeply for Brownsville. May the Lord welcome Joe into the gates of Heaven and may he rest in eternal peace
Marta and Ramon Fernandez
Don Gonzalss
April 11, 2025
joe was one person I always looked up too, and tried to be more like. I’m very thankful to have known him, he always welcomed my family and treated us well. I will miss him at our family reunions, Rest in Peace Joe.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Roman Gomez
April 11, 2025
Our condolences to Tia Offie and all their children and grandchildren. We will truly miss Uncle Joe. Prayers for peace.
Karen R Ballard
April 11, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Rivera family. I knew Joe from the courthouse. He always had a kind word to say and generated many laughs among all. RIP.
Santioz Valadez Perez
April 11, 2025
Our deepest condolences, may the LORD comfort each and every family member. Santitoz Valadez Perez and family
Gloria Ayala
April 10, 2025
Our condolences and prayers to the family . May he rest in peace.
Bruni Ramirez
April 10, 2025
It was an honor to have known you, Mr. Rivera. My father thought so highly of you. Rest in Eternal Peace.
Bruni Ramirez
Larry & Carmen Garcia
April 9, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the Rivera Family. We were fortunate to have met Joe Rivera years ago through his son, when they invited us to attend Charro Days. He embraced us with a big hug and said "Welcome to Brownsville". Papa Joe's big heart and love always made you feel like family. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Rivera family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace Papa Joe
The Garcia Family
Linda Punk (Roerig) McFetridge
April 9, 2025
Ofie and family of Joe- My deepest condolences on the passing of Joe. He was a dear friend and wonderful person. He always brought a smile to my face. My sympathy to the family.
Carmen Lerma
April 9, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Family. He was a great Family Man and a good Man. May he rest in Pease. Carmen Lerma
David and Roseanna Vela
April 9, 2025
Be blessed forever in your eternal rest with Our Loving Lord Mr. Rivera.
Cindy Weaver Cardenas
April 9, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful man. My deepest condolences to the Rivera family. My fondest memories were back when we knocked on door of the Brownsville residents at his first Campaign running as County Clerk how much i learned from him later as a Birth certificate and Marriage license clerk. You will be missed along with your humor.
May the sting of death pass, and know that soon you will be with your love ones again AMEN
Rolando gonzalez
April 9, 2025
My heart felt love and sympathy to Ofie and children. Many blessings
Mera Champion
April 9, 2025
A wonderful friend and outstanding city leader has gained his wings. He will be missed by many and the Mr Amigo Association as a Past President. My condolences to his beautiful wife Ofie and his family. Rest in peace Papa Joe. Mera Champion -Garza
John&Andrea Wills
April 9, 2025
Our condolences to the Rivera Family. We are honored to know Joe Rivera as Pappa Joe He opened his arms to our family, though we were neighbors of his son we felt like family. He was an extraordinary person who left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness and selflessness would shine through. We hope his memory will continue to inspire those around him. He was a legend, the world needs more Pappa Joe's to show what sacrifice, dedication, perseverance and kindness should be. Save us a seat up there. We love you and will miss you chingos! - Wills Family
Shayna Fitzwater
April 9, 2025
Joe was always an amazing person, friendly, and kind. He was and always will be an amazing part of our community. He was always there to listen if you needed someone to talk to or just sit and enjoy his company. Many laughs over the years May you Forever rest in Peace Joe. May his family have peace and tranquillity during this time.
April 7, 2025
Our condolences to the Rivera Family. Our prayers are offered for all the family. May Joe rest in peace, Jose Valadez and family
Toni Casares
April 6, 2025
Our condolences to Ofie and all family members. Rest In Peace, Joe. Idoluis & Toni Casares
Gina Rocha
April 6, 2025
My condolences to the Rivera family. May the good Lord see you through this sad time.
I worked with Mr. Rivera in 1975 For that I'm forever grateful. Thank you Mr. Rivera for your words of wisdom and for being such a kind human. I am fortunate to have known you. Rest in peace.
Always,
Gina Rocha.
Blanca Vela
April 6, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you always. May you have eternal peace ❤
Rolando Gonzalez
April 6, 2025
My heart felt love and sympathy to the Rivera family.
Mr and Mrs Gilbert Duane Rivera
April 6, 2025
Rest in Peace Uncle Coche. God Bless You
Traci Wickett
April 6, 2025
Joe was a tireless volunteer, and his dedication to United Way of Southern Cameron County was unparalleled. May Joe's memory be a blessing to all who love him.
Ricardo P. Balli
April 5, 2025
Our most sincere condolences to all the Rivera family. Joe gave me a lot of good management training when we worked at the JCPENNEY STORE in downtown Brownsville. He also helped me when we were members of the Brownsville Jaycees. He was always there to help the city of Brownsville. May he Rest In Peace.
Dora Meza
April 5, 2025
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO EFIE, AND ALL HIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. FLY HIGH MR
RIVERS, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. ♥
Elizabeth Dierlam
April 5, 2025
Condolences to family and friends at this time.
Ken Medders, Jr.
April 5, 2025
My sincere condolences to Ofie and the Rivera family - a good man taken too early R. I. P. mi amigo !
Mauricio Bretón & Family
April 5, 2025
May our Lord provide The Rivera Family with strength during this time of sorrow. Our most sincere condolences. Mr. Joe Rivera will be dearly missed.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Joe Rivera's name
Memorial Events
for Joe Rivera
Funeral services provided by:
Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home - Harlingen1002 E Harrison Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550
People and places connected with Joe
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joe's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joe Rivera's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
