Obituary of Richard T. Rivera
Richard T. Rivera
(Tex, Rich, Stretch)
Richard T. Rivera passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at St. Joseph Medical Center. He was born on August 11, 1954, the only son of the late Thomas E. and Louise H. (nee Colombo) Rivera. A lifelong resident of Joliet, IL, he was a graduate of Joliet West High School, Class of 1972, and received his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, majoring in Ornamental Horticulture from Joliet Junior College in 1975.
To say Richard was actively involved in the community is an understatement. He was dedicated to numerous organizations. He was a member of the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustee’s Buildings and Grounds Committee, member of the Facility Services Safety Committee since December 1984, and was the current Chairman since January 1987. He served several terms as President and Vice President of Joliet Junior College Alumni Association since 1984, he was the current Chairman of Grounds Advisory Committee since 1998, served as Chief Union Steward for Local #7 of the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers from 1984 to 1992, member of the National Rifle Association since 1981, Professional Grounds Management Society since 1995, Sports Turf Manager’s Association since 1995, and a member of the National Institute on Park and Grounds Management since 1995. He was also the current president of the Joliet Rivals Club, a member of Moran Athletic Club, the Old Timers Baseball Association of Will County, and was a former Board Member of Troy Baseball Association.
Along with his family, Richard was most proud of his career at Joliet Junior College. He started as a student groundskeeper in 1974, where he later met the love of his life, Nancy. He worked while attending classes and earned the respect of all of his colleagues. During his 46 year career at the college, he held the title of Custodian, Groundskeeper, Lead Groundskeeper, Superintendent of Road and Grounds, and was currently the Assistant Director of Facility Services and Roads and Grounds. He gave as much to the college as he did to his family.
When he wasn’t attending meetings or plowing snow, he enjoyed camping, sitting around a fire pit, and hunting. He was a true outdoorsman and loved being outside. This love of nature and wildlife began at an early age working at the stockyards, breaking horses, and working at Glenwood Farms. He always shared these activities with his family, as spending time with them was his priority.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Nancy (nee Tuntland); daughter, Renee (Gabriel Arias) Rivera; son, Randall (fiancé Meredith Simpson) Rivera; in-laws, Craig (Nancy) Tuntland, Dean (Dora) Tuntland, Bruce (Linda) Tuntland, and Beverly (Donald) Landreth as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and coworkers.
He is preceded by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Leslie and Ardythe Tuntland; sister-in-law, Cathy L. Gimble; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation for Richard T. Rivera will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. In accordance with the Illinois guidelines, a 10 person capacity will be followed. Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
The family has requested to live stream the Funeral Services on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Please click on this link https://youtu.be/l6VLcT5TdTA and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers, and connection are.
Interment will be held privately by the family at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family to be used to support an organization dear to his heart would be appreciated.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
