Obituary of Tomas Jesus Rivera

Tomas “La Calabaza” Jesus Rivera, 72 of Port Isabel, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2017 at Valley Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Port Isabel, Texas, where he lived all his life, to Guadalupe Galvan and Tomas Rivera. Calabaza, as he was known to his family and friends, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He was a passionate and giving man who was always willing to help others. He was a shrimper all his life. He enjoyed going to casinos, watching TV, and spending time with family and friends for Bar-B-Q’s.  He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe “Lupe” Galvan and Tomas Rivera; brother, Andres Barrera Sr.; 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Tomas is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Teresita Rivera; five children: Elizabeth Rivera, Tomas “Lilian” Rivera Jr., Juan Pablo “JP” (Mireya Rinza) Rivera, David (Irene Camacho) Rivera, and Guadalupe (George) Muller; twelve grandchildren: Pablo Villareal III, Priscilla Villarreal, Roberto Lopez, Sergio Lopez, Brett Martinez, Tere Rivera, Juan Pablo Rivera Jr., Kimberly Vela, DeAndre G. Rivera, Angel G. Rivera, Skalor Vela, and George Muller; as well as two sisters: Josefina “Fina” (Jesus Sr.) Moncivaiz and Petra (Leo) Alaniz; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m., with a holy rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 705 S. Longoria Street in Port Isabel, Texas. He will be laid to rest at Port Isabel City Cemetery in Port Isabel, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are: David Rivera, Tomas Rivera, Juan Pablo Rivera, Jesus “J.J.” Moncivaiz Jr., Pablo Villarreal, Frankie Gallardo, Eduardo Garcia, and Gustavo Perez.

You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Tomas “La Calabaza” Rivera at: www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.