Rafael Z. Rivera

RAFAEL Z. RIVERA

Rafael Z. Rivera, 95, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 19, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Apolonio and Paula Rivera, three sisters, Olivia Rivera, Oralia R. Rodriguez, Julia R. Holsomback, and his wife of 65 years, Delia H. Rivera.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Patricia A. Rivera and Maria “Mary” Rivera; and son, Reynaldo J. (Rebecca) Rivera. Rafael is also survived by his two grandchildren, Adrian Javier Rivera and Cecilia Celeste Rivera. In addition, he has several nieces and nephews, including Irma Fernuik (Mike), Rolando (Melissa +) Rodriguez, Cesar Rodriguez, Steve, Eric (Cindy), Kevin, Bill (Dawn), Mark (Ivy), and Bruce (Jennifer) Holsomback, Cindy Flores, Emily (Rene) Garza, Melissa (Ben) Ramirez, Jennifer Garcia, Yvonne Garcia, Richard (Lucy) Ibanez, and Dr. Kevin (Dr. Vi) Closner.

Rafael was born on February 20, 1930 in Pharr, Texas. He and his family were migrant farmworkers and they often traveled north for work. They picked fruit, vegetables, and cotton. He attended Pharr schools but dropped out in high school. He was drafted into the US Army and was a gunner in the 2nd Armored Division, “Hell on Wheels.” During his service, he participated in the reconstruction and defense of West Germany. He also served in the National Guard for several years after returning home.

After his tour of duty, Rafael returned to Pharr and met Delia, the love of his life. He also returned to Veteran’s School and earned his high school diploma. He was always proud that he was the “Valedictorian” of his class.

Rafael worked for many years at Valley Fruit and Vegetable Co. in Pharr and later at Farmer’s Gin Co-Op in San Juan where he was the office manager.

Rafael was a life long resident of Pharr and had many ties to the local community. He grew up in the area around St. Margaret’s church along with many friends and relatives. He was very active at St Jude’s Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council and was a Eucharistic Minister. He was later very active at St. Margaret’s as well.

He loved his community and served on the Pharr Housing Authority board for many years.

Rafael loved to tell funny stories and jokes. He loved entertaining those around him. He was an avid history buff and loved reading about war history, especially World War II. He shared his love of reading with his children and later his grandchildren.

Rafael also loved music, especially older Spanish music by artists such as Pedro Infante, Trio Los Panchos, and his favorite, Javier Solis. He loved to sing and could often be heard whistling as he did things around the house.

He was a loving grandfather and helped raise his 2 grandkids, Adrian and Cecilia. He insisted on speaking to them in Spanish so they would be bilingual and “at least understand Spanish.” He never missed school assemblies, band concerts, Children’s Shows, or other events they participated in.

He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan and always kept up with the team, even in his later years.

Rafael will truly be missed by all those who knew him.

The family would like to give special thanks to: Dr. Omar Gomez and staff who served as his primary care physician team for many years, and Maria Del Rosario “Chayito” Zaleta, who helped care for him in the last year.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., with a 6 p.m.rosary, Thursday May 22, 2025 at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 9 a.m. Friday May 23, 2025, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Pharr. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

Pallbearers include Kevin Holsomback, Mark Holsomback, Bruce Holsomback, Adrian Rivera, Rene Garza, and Rafael’s Godson, Adalberto “Bert” Jaime.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan, Texas.