Roberto “La Esponja” Rivera, Sr., 89, entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 16, 2022, at his residence in Port Isabel, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Rivera enjoyed dancing, playing softball, playing cards and bingo. He also enjoyed attending Sunday Mass (Catholic Service) and outings with his family. He was a member of the American Legion Post 498. After forty- one years he retired from Cameron County (Cameron County Isla Blanca Park). Cameron County declared March 28, 1995, Roberto Rivera Day. Roberto was preceded in death by his father, Martin Rivera; his mother, Manuela V. Guerrero; daughter, Maria Estrellita Rivera; and a son, Roberto Rivera, Jr. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 67 years, Cresencia C. Rivera; daughter, Janie R. (Richard) Zamora; sons, Jesus “Moe” (Alicia) Rivera and Juan Rivera; siblings, Guadalupe R. Cantu, Jose (Lucy) Rivera, Carlos Rivera, Vicente Guerrero (Maria); 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m., at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 705 S Longoria St, Port Isabel, TX . with Military Honors after the Mass and cremation to follow in accordance to his wishes. Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Justin Cantu, Noe Cantu, David Zamora, Vicente Gonzalez III, Robert Rivera III, and Richard Zamora. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Roberto “La Esponja” Rivera, Sr. at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586.