Gerardo "Jerry" Rivera

Gerardo “Jerry” Rivera, 70, passed away peacefully at his residence in Edinburg, Texas. Jerry was born on a Tuesday, December 28, 1954 in Edinburg, Texas to Genaro “Jerry” Rivera and Isabel Gamez Rivera. He is preceded in death by his parents, son; Jesus “Jesse” Rivera, brother; Mario Rivera, sister; Rosa M. Salinas, brother in laws; Noe Trevino, Antonio Rojas and Augustin Salinas.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years; San Juanita “Janie” Rivera, sons; E.J. (Jessica) Rivera and Bobby Rivera, grandchildren; Justice Rivera, Jesse Rivera, Brayden Rivera, Bradley Rivera and Mia Rivera, brother; Elijio (Maria Isabel) Rivera, sisters; Celia Trevino, Mina Rojas and Leticia (Juan Enrique) Mendez, sister in law; Tina Rivera as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry as he was affectionately known by friends and family dedicated his life and his career to protecting and putting others safety first. He proudly served in the United States Army and had a successful law enforcement career of 44 years. He worked for various agencies; beginning his career with the United States Border Patrol, Mission Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff Department, McAllen ISD and Edinburg CISD. His favorite pastime was spending time with his loving wife, children and grandchildren. Jerry will be missed by his family, colleagues, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

The Rivera family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Peace, Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home, 322 East Kuhn Street, Edinburg, Texas. Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 12:30 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 501 East Kuhn Street in Edinburg. Burial to follow at Rio Grande Valley State Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Road, Mission, Texas. Military honors will be under the auspices of VFW Post # 8788. Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers will be: Justice Rivera, Jesse Rivera, Brayden Rivera, Bradley Rivera, Geno Rivera, Rudy Rodriguez and Mia Rivera. Funeral services are under the direction of Johnny Garcia, Funeral Director/Manager and staff at Ceballos-Diaz Funeral Home in Edinburg.