Juan "Johnny" Andres Rivera, Sr.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX. – Juan “Johnny” Andres Rivera, Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, the 14th of March 2025 in Corpus Christi, Texas with his son, Tomas, and his best friend at his side. He was 76 years of age.

Born on October 25, 1948, in Brownsville, Texas, Johnny graduated from Hannah High School in 1967. The following year, he joined the United States Army in 1968. Achieving the rank of Specialist 5, he honorably served for three years, including time in the Vietnam War. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Expert Badge.

After completing his military service, Johnny began his professional career at Union Carbide before moving on to Braniff International Airways and later retiring from the United States Post Office in San Benito, Texas.

Beyond his dedication to work and service, Johnny found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was passionate about gardening, golf, and barbecuing - hobbies that brought him peace.

Johnny is survived by his sons, Juan “Johnny” Andres Rivera, Jr., Daniel Rivera, Cesar Rivera, and Tomas Rivera (Marinna Renae); his grandson, Jonah Rivera; his siblings, Lulu Savino, Moises “Moe” P. Rivera Jr. (Cindy), Gloria Young, Raul “Gooley” Rivera (Sandi), and Ricardo “Rick” Rivera (Connie), who passed away five days later on Wednesday, the 19th of March 2025; his brother-in-law, Thomas “Sonny” Kendrick; and by his goddaughter, Kim Van Welij.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Moises P. Rivera Sr. and Katie Lee Egly Rivera; his sisters, Kathryn R. Hinojosa and Leticia “Letty” Kendrick; his brothers-in-law, Mike Allen, Sandy Savino, Abelardo “Abel” D. Hinojosa, Jr., and Kenny Young; and by his nephew, Kenny Savino.

Honored to serve as his pallbearers are Arby Hinojosa, Rooley Rivera, Moe P. Rivera, Michael J. Allen, Jr., Joseph Rivera, Jay Rivera, and Jonah Rivera.

Honorary pallbearers are Moe Rivera, Gooley Rivera, Rick Rivera, Sonny Kendrick, Willie Hager, Johnny Stachowiak, and Joe White.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Villa of Corpus Christi South and Hospice Nurses on Wheels for their loving care they provided to Johnny.

Johnny’s passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, the 28th of March 2025 beginning at twelve noon within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. A Chapel Service will commence at two o’clock in the afternoon. Interment with military honors will then follow at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/goto/inmemoryofjohnnyrivera.

Memories of Johnny may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey, CFSP and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.