Arturo Rivera Jr.

Arturo Rivera Jr., age 80, passed away peacefully at Maple Glen Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, IL on May 15, 2025. He was born in Martindale, TX on October 22, 1944 to his parents Arturo Rivera Sr. and Adela Rivera (nee Hernandez).

Arturo spent most of his youth in Joliet, IL before joining the United States Army at the age of nineteen. He earned an honorable discharge from the Army and returned to Joliet, where he raised his children. He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Union Local #150 and worked for P.T. Ferro for more than thirty years. He collected antiques and vintage cars which he protected from the harsh effects of time. He had a natural protective nature, and his family benefitted from the comfort of that protection throughout their lives. He had a deep love for nature and took great pride in growing beautiful plants that flourished under his care. His garden was a living reflection of his patience, creativity, and nurturing spirit. He also poured his heart into building a beautiful home, creating not just a place to live, but a haven filled with warmth, comfort, and love – a true expression of his dedication to family and craftsmanship.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arturo Sr. and Adela; his former wife Carol Rivera (nee Carrero); his sons Arturo Rivera III and James Rivera, and his brothers Porfirio (Dora) Rivera and Joe Rivera.

Arturo is survived by his daughter Tammy (Jeffrey) Jones; his son Jeremy (Kelly) Rivera; daughter-in-law Jennifer Rivera; his grandsons Tony Studnicka and Alec, Derrick, Aric, Quinten, and Samuel Rivera; his great granddaughter Elsie Rivera; his siblings Oralia (Robert) Garcia, Alice (Alfredo) Melesio, Maria (the late Jorge) Arias, John (Ginger) Rivera, and his sister-in-law Connie Rivera. Many other extended family members, friends, and loved ones also survive.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435 with an opportunity for a “Sharing of Memories” at 7:30 pm. All guests are invited to return to Tezak’s on the morning of Thursday May 22, 2025 at 9:00 am for closing prayers before we will process to St Ambrose Catholic Church, 1705 Burry Circle Dr. Crest Hill, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Following Mass, we will process to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd. Elwood, IL where Arturo will be laid to rest with full military honors at 1:00 pm.