Deacon John Rivera's Obituary
Deacon John Rivera, age 85, of North Ridgeville passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 after a short illness at St. John Westshore, Westlake.
John was born in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico and had lived in North Ridgeville since 1972. He became a US citizen and graduated from Billings, Montana where he met and married Dolores Alvarez. They then moved to Anaheim California for work and then moved to Cleveland where he worked for Republic Steel/LTV for over 30 years, retiring in 2000.
John was ordained as Deacon on May 30, 1987 and was a Deacon at St. Julie Billiart and St. Augustine Parishes for over 30 years. He retired in February, 2021.He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for both St. Julie and St. Peters Councils. John was also very involved and enjoyed the Cursillo movement and the Prison Ministry.
John was so full of life and love. He was always ready with a funny story or good advice. He had a love for music and played the guitar. He loved spending time with his family. He was a caretaker and devoted husband to his wife Dolores of 62 years. Anyone who knew him felt the love and genuine care he had for them. He truly was an exceptional husband, father, brother and friend. His personality was based on his faith and love for Our Lord and his strong devotion to Our Lady. From this he never wavered.
John is survived by his wife Dolores (nee Alvarez), daughters Michaela(Kerry), Diana Rivera, Luz Marie “Lucha” (Allen Jr.) Swindig, Veronica Rivera and sons James (Megan) Rivera all reside in North Ridgeville and Patrick Rivera (PJ) of Westlake. 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Brothers Robert Rivera of North Royalton and Magdaleno Rivera of Cleveland and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Luz (nee Moreno)Rivera, siblings, Guadalupe Rivera, Avelina Leal, Mary Martinez, Dominga Calloway, Antonio Rivera, Luis Rivera, Pedro Rivera and Salvador Rivera.
Vespers Service will be held Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 3pm at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 5500 Lear Nagle Rd. North Ridgeville. Rev. Joseph Mamich will celebrate. Rev Charlie Ryba will be homilist. Visitation will follow until 6pm.
A visitation will also be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 from 10AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial, beginning at 11am. Most Reverend Bishop Edward C. Malesic will celebrate. Deacon Lou Maldonado will be homilist..
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Labre Indian School at www.stlabre.or or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?