Obituary of Thomas Rivera

Thomas E. Rivera "Chico" Age 84, a lifetime Joliet resident, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. A U.S. Army Korean war veteran. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in December of 1952. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Louise H. (nee Colombo); his parents, Jay and Helen (nee McCowan) Rivera; and one brother, Donald (late Dorothy) Rivera, Sr. Beloved father of Richard T. (Nancy J.) Rivera of Joliet; proud and devoted grandpa of Renee C. Rivera and Randall D. Rivera, all of Joliet; two sisters, Barbara (Richard) Dapriele of Lockport and Patricia (Ronald) Nickleski of Lemont; one brother, Dennis (Susan) Rivera of Joliet; fond uncle of numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and several cousins also survive. Thomas attended St. John Grade School and Joliet Catholic High School. He retired in 1986 from the U.S. Post Office where he was a clerk for 36 years. Member of the American Legion Harwood Post #5 where he also bartended for many years. He was a 60-year member of Holy Family Parish, serving as usher for several years at the 4:00 p.m. Saturday Mass. Life member of the VFW Cantigny Post #367 and the Irving A.C. Member of the Joliet Rivals Club, where he really enjoyed the activities there, especially playing poker with the guys. Also a member of St. Joe's Senior Club. Funeral Services for Thomas E. Rivera will be Monday, February 3, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet to Holy Family Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice or Holy Family School would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday, February 2, 2014, 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com