Guadalupe "Lupe" V. Rivera's Obituary
Weslaco – Guadalupe “Lupe” V. Rivera Sr., 80, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Knapp Medical Center. Lupe was born on September 5, 1945, in Weslaco, Texas, to Jose and Josefa Rivera.
Lupe grew up in the heart of Weslaco, on Los Torritos and Cedro. As a young boy, he traveled with his family as a migrant worker across the United States, harvesting a variety of crops in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, and California. At just fifteen, determined to create a different path for himself, he began driving tandem trucks—troques—rather than working in the fields. He went on to spend many years as a truck driver before starting a 20-year career as a building inspector for Hidalgo County, retiring in 2005.
Lupe met the love of his life, Lupe, at Keno Café in 1969, where his wife-to-be worked as a waitress to support her three older children—Wanda, Diana, and Michael. He lovingly embraced them as his own from the moment they met. Together, they built a beautiful life and expanded their family, welcoming three children of their own: Cristina, Laura, and Lupe Jr.
He was a natural leader with a servant’s heart. He became a respected presence in Weslaco and throughout the Rio Grande Valley. When he recognized a need, he acted—always with the intention of lifting others and building a stronger community. He was active in the Latino movement known as Raza Unida, advocating for political representation, social justice, and economic opportunity. He organized the Armadillos truck club, helped establish the Valley Troqueros Association, worked for the Colorado Migrant Council, and contributed to Collegio Jacinto Trevino in Mercedes, a Chicano college dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic students. Lupe also helped form the Weslaco Chicano Youth Center. His drive to serve ultimately led him to public office, where he served on the Weslaco City Commission for eight years, working tirelessly for the citizens he loved.
Creative, thoughtful, and hands-on, Lupe enjoyed many hobbies. He was a talented woodcarver and painter, kept journals to collect his thoughts, and loved winding down with classic westerns. He was deeply devoted to his family, cherishing every moment spent with his wife and children. During football season, he passionately rooted for the Dallas Cowboys, often surrounded by friends and family. He also enjoyed traveling—especially casino trips—and found joy in simple adventures.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Lupe treasured the peace of the outdoors and the camaraderie it brought. He eagerly awaited Labor Day weekend each year, celebrating both dove season and his birthday. His humor and familiar jokes made every hunting trip memorable.
Christmas time was significant to Lupe. He took great pride in transforming the Rivera home into a festive wonderland, and the family won the Weslaco Christmas Decorating Contest multiple times in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Of all his roles, “Grandpa” was one he cherished most. He captivated his grandchildren with his stories—tales full of adventure, humor, and heart. Lupe’s presence was steady and kind, his love unwavering.
Above all, Lupe was a man of deep and abiding faith. He spoke to God daily and prayed diligently for his family and community. As a humble servant, loving husband, devoted father, and man of God, he leaves a legacy of integrity, compassion, and service that will continue to guide his family for generations.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Josefa Rivera; one son, Michael Leal; one daughter; Cristina Rivera; a grandson, Andrew Jordan Garcia; four brothers, Matias Sanchez (Elfidia), Raul “Manito” Rivera (Juanita), Juan Jose Rivera, and Raul Rivera, Sr., and two sisters, Santos Saenz (Hector) and Amelia Rivera.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lupe M. Rivera; one son, Lupe Rivera Jr. (Illiana), three daughters, Wanda Garcia (Ismael Sr.), and Diana Montoya (Arthur), Laura Rivera; one brother, Francisco Rivera (Cindy); three sisters, Catarina Saenz, Hortencia “Tencha” Cuellar, Hilda Moreno (Margarito); grandchildren, Amanda Humphreys (Brian), Ismael “Smiley” Garcia (Brenda), Nicole Contreras (Darrick Fuentes), Joseph Rivera (Kimberly Hernandez), A.J. Rivera, Michaela Rivera, Zachary Aldrete (Alyssa Medina), Zeke Aldrete; great-grandchildren, Valerie Garcia, Addison Humphreys, Amelia Humphreys, and Leo Contreras; two sisters-in-law, Irma Rivera, Martha Rivera; his beloved Australian Shepherd, Ray; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, with a 6:00 p.m. rosary at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco. Celebrant will be Father Francisco Solis. He will be laid to rest at Weslaco City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joseph A. Rivera, A.J. Rivera, Martin Rivera, Raul Rivera Jr., Ismael Garcia, Sr., and Arthur Montoya. Honorary pallbearers will be Lupe Rivera Jr., Ismael Garcia Jr., Darrick Fuentes, and Leo Cristopher Contreras.
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