Rogelio B. Rivera

Our beloved father, Rogelio B. Rivera, age 92, went to be in the caring arms of his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.  Rogelio was born on January 6, 1924 in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico the son of Teodoro and Felicita (Barron) Rivera.  In November of 1952 he married Maria Cantu in Brownsville, TX.  Following their marriage they made their home in Elsa, TX for a short time before moving to Prosser, WA.  Rogelio supported his family by working in the fields but most of all with understanding and love. 

He enjoyed boxing, music, dancing, dancing and more dancing.   He cherished time spent with each member of his family and old friends talking about the good old days.  

Rogelio is survived by three sons, Roger Rivera (Laura) of Desert Air, WA, Manuel Rivera (Alicia) and Ruben Rivera (Sally) all of Sunnyside, WA.  Three daughters, Sylvia Rodriguez (Art) of Prosser, WA, Irene Jochen (Rod) of Sunnyside, WA, Mary Soto (Rudy) of Mattawa, WA.  He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, Thirty-two great grandchildren, brother Concepcion Rivera of Fresno, CA and sister Maria Perez of Dallas, TX.  He is preceded in death by his parents Teodoro and Felicita Rivera, wife Maria Rivera, two brothers and three sisters. 

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser, WA.  Burial will follow at the East Prosser Cemetery under the direction of the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign Rogelio’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements.   

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