John Rivera

John Rivera, age 82, of Collinsville, Illinois, formerly of Savanna, Illinois, died on September 8, 2016 in Collinsville. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 24, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. A memorial gathering will be held from 9:00-11:00, prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. A memorial fund has been established in John’s memory.
John was born on March 8, 1934, the son of Ascension Manuel and Lavonne (Hernandez) Rivera in Savanna, Illinois. He attended St. John’s Catholic Elementary School and later graduated from Savanna High School. After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for twelve years.
John worked as an Informational Technician for the Union Pacific Railroad, working in Omaha and Kansas City before retiring out of St. Louis. John enjoyed traveling and was a longtime Y.M.C.A. member. John loved the outdoors, especially walking and golfing. Most of all, John treasured spending time with his family and friends.
John will be dearly missed by two brothers, Frank Rivera of Collinsville and Tony (Judy) Rivera of Camanche, Iowa; four sisters, Mary Bradley of Savanna, Kay Greve of Des Moines, Iowa, Lena (Frank) Hernandez of Savanna, and Pat Haggerty of Hanover; and several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Michael Rivera; and three brother in-laws, Herb Greve, Wesley Bradley, and Howard Haggerty.