In memory of Joe G. Rivera of Cameron County.

89(R) SR 423 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 423

In Memory

of

Joe Rivera

WHEREAS, Residents of Cameron County lost an esteemed

community leader and friend to many with the passing of former

county clerk Joe G. Rivera on April 2, 2025, at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Born on October 19, 1939, Joe Rivera was the son

of Faustino and Benita Rivera and grew up in the Corpus Christi

area with the companionship of two sisters, Delia and Estella,

and two brothers, Gilbert and Faustino; he earned a bachelor's

degree from Texas Southmost College and served in the U.S. Marine

Corps Reserves from 1957 to 1965; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rivera first took office as the Cameron County

clerk in 1974, and he went on to distinguish himself in that role

for more than three and a half decades; during his tenure, he

spearheaded numerous projects to modernize the office's

operations, and he was honored as the Texas County Clerk of the

Year; moreover, he served as president of the County and District

Clerks' Association of Texas and further contributed to his

profession by appearing before the Texas Legislature on numerous

occasions; and

WHEREAS, A prominent member of the community, Mr. Rivera

held leadership positions with United Way of Southern Cameron

County, the Mr. Amigo Association, and the Cameron County Bail

Bond Board; he was also a dedicated volunteer for the Jaycees,

the Knights of Columbus, and the Charro Days fiesta, and his

myriad honors included recognition from the Brownsville Rotary

Club and the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of

America; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rivera shared 65 years of marriage with his

beloved wife, Ofilia, and he was the proud father of five

children, Michael, Joe Ernest, Robert, John, and Norma; with the

passing years, his treasured family grew to include 7

grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a man of faith, he was

an active congregant of St. Luke Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family and his community,

Joe Rivera lived a full and generous life, and he leaves behind a

legacy of kindness and service to others that will continue to

inspire all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Joe G. Rivera

and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his

wife, Ofilia Rivera; to his children, Michael Rivera, Joe Ernest

Rivera and his wife, Jeannette, Robert Rivera and his wife,

Brenda, John Rivera and his wife, Betty, and Norma Myers and her

husband, Mike; to his sister, Estella Taylor; to his

grandchildren, Daniel, Jacquelyn, Joe Ernest, Lisa, April Marie,

Stephanie, and Eric; to his great-grandchildren; and to his other

relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be

prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns

this day, it do so in memory of Joe Rivera.

Hinojosa of Nueces

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on April 22, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate