Raul Rivera

Raul Cordova Rivera, Sr. 89, of Rockford, IL passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Born July 23, 1928 in the small mining town of Superior, Arizona, to Raul and Refugio.  Dad married our Mother, Armida, December, 1958 in Los Angeles, California and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage full of many crazy days together.

For better life opportunities, Dad moved his family to Rockford in 1972 and began his 40-year career at Chrysler, retiring at the young age of 65.  He was proud to work at Chrysler and of his membership in the UAW. Dad also was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War (1951-1953).

Dad loved to garden and was a master with his rose bushes. His family still feels blessed to have some of his 35-40 year old rose bushes in their own gardens. He was also an avid reader who enjoyed any kind of literature that would keep his mind occupied. He loved his children, but especially had a big heart for his grandchildren.

His passions were music, dancing, gardening, traveling in his RV and being around family and friends. He loved to dance with his beautiful wife.  When they danced, people would always stop and watch.  Dad driving the RV would make Mom crazy because he always knew what he was doing ~ even if he was in the wrong lane.  Mom and Dad were inseparable and even though they fought as much as they laughed, we know that Mom will feel that void the rest of her days. Those memories are forever in our hearts.

Survivors include his wife, Armida Rivera of Rockford; Son, Anthony Nunez, Rockford; Daughter, Gloria Castillo, Fresno, CA; Son, Robert (Denise) Rivera, Cherry Valley, IL; Daughter, Jenny (Richard) Perez, Fresno, CA; Daughter, Mary (Rudy) Robles, Fresno, CA; Daughter, Sandra Rivera-Beck (John), Rockford, IL. Also survived by his grandchildren, Gina Larson (Brandon) Rockford; Ryan Rivera, Tennessee; Devin (Erin) Rivera, Wisconsin; Dylan Rivera, Rockford; Kimberly Gaitan, CA; Sondra Andrade, CA; Elliott Borunda, CA; Michael Borunda, CA; Danielle, CA; Rudy Jr., CA;  Joseph, CA and Selena, CA.

Great grandchildren who will miss their "Tata": Harper and Taytum Larson, Johnny Gaitan Jr., Kayo, Isa, Avni and Lago Borunda. Noah and Haley Robles. Many Nieces and Nephews, CA.

Predeceased by Son, Raul C. Rivera, Jr.; 3 Brothers and 4 Sisters.

A memorial service will be held  on May 19, 2018 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural Street, Rockford, IL 61107 at 11:00 a.m. with  visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, Fellowship Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

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