Santiago Rivas Sr.

Weslaco-

Santiago Rivas Sr., a cherished figure within his family and community, passed away peacefully at his home on November 23, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 30, 1934, in Weslaco, Santiago embodied resilience and devotion throughout his life, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his family and work.

Santiago and his family were migrant workers, working around the country for half the year. While working in a small town called Petersburg, Texas, Santiago met his future bride, Celia Rocha. The couple had an instant connection. Santiago and Celia were married soon after meeting on November 30th, 1955. They shared a strong ethic and love for family. 

They traveled to California for several years, working together to realize their dream of having a large family. Eventually, Santiago and Celia settled in Weslaco, where they spent the rest of their lives together, raising eight children. His lifetime experience deepened his appreciation for nature and his expertise in tending to plants and crops. Santiago was a devoted husband and father, traveling to various farms to provide for his family. He later worked as a machinist for Texas Plastic and other smaller companies, where his strong work ethic set him apart. 

Beyond his professional contributions, Santiago was a loving son, brother, husband, uncle, and grandfather. He found joy in life's simple pleasures, especially in having his home filled with family and friends. Every Sunday after Mass, he would host barbecues, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for his loved ones. His passion for life extended into various interests; he enjoyed taking family trips to visit relatives in Michigan, Eagle Pass, Houston, and Corpus Christi. Memorable outings to South Padre Island and Gardner State Park with his children and grandchildren are treasured moments that will forever remain in their hearts. Santiago was proud to live the American dream and was a true patriot, casting his ballot a few weeks ago. 

Santiago's legacy is one marked by love, compassion, and dedication. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, leaving cherished memories that will continue inspiring future generations.

 Santiago is preceded in death by his loving wife, Celia Rivas; his parents, Guadalupe and Manuela (Amador) Rivas; their children, Ruben Rivas, Christina Rivas, and Santiago Rivas Jr.; siblings, Rufina Rodriguez, Juanita Silva, Susana Rivas, Lucia Lopez, Bartolo Rivas, and Guadalupe Peña, nephew, George Silva, and niece Barbara Rivas. 

He is survived by their children, Nelly Garcia (Carlos), Evangeline “Vangie” DeLeon (Mario), Rachel Guajardo (Nafteli Jr.), Irene Sanchez (Omar), and Noe Rivas, daughter-in-law, Carmen Rivas, siblings, Victor Rivas, Guadalupe Rivas (Rosa), grandchildren, Santiago Rivas III "Chuck" (Manuela), Elida Ramirez (Cesar), Celina Rivas (David), Clarissa Nobels (Matt), Lorena Garcia, Alex Garcia, Claudia Garcia, Alyssa Guajardo, Lindsey Guajardo, and Nafteli Guajardo III, Christina Sanchez, Cynthia Garcia (Nestor), Catherine Staha (Jared), Leslie Garza (Thomas), Marco Rivas, Rico Rivas, and Andrea Rivas, twenty-four great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held on November 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 27, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Val Verde Memorial Gardens at 2:00 PM. Serving as pallbearers will be Marco Rivas, Rico Rivas, Victor Nobels, Nafteli Guajardo III, Santiago Rivas III, and Daren Rivas; the honorary pallbearer will be Alex Garcia. 

In this time of loss, family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Santiago Rivas Sr.'s life, honoring his profound impact on everyone around him.