Hector Rivera

Hector Rivera, 51, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2026. He grew up in the Chicago area, where he excelled at football and earned a college scholarship.

As a young man, Hector joined a youth leadership program that changed his life. It was there that he met the love of his life. They grew up together in the program, fell in love, and went on to marry and raise four children. His wife meant everything to him, and it brought them both great joy to see their children take part in the same program that had brought them together.

Hector began his career in public service in 2002. He returned to the youth program as a volunteer mentor and continued mentoring young people until his passing. Over the years, he guided hundreds of young people and encouraged them to serve their communities. He was especially proud to see his children carry that commitment into their own lives.

Hector had a wonderful sense of humor, a playful spirit, and a way of bringing laughter and joy to those around him. He found happiness in traveling with his family, sharing new experiences, and making lasting memories together. More than anything, he cherished the time spent with the people he loved. His family will remember his big heart, his laughter, and the love and presence he brought into their lives.

In recent months, Hector deepened his Catholic faith, receiving the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. He also volunteered in his community and found real fulfillment in giving his time to others.

Hector is survived by his beloved wife, their four children, his parents, his brother, his parents-in-law, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His two beloved dogs were also part of the family he loved. He was preceded in death by his sister, his sister-in-law, and his beloved grandmother.

A celebration of Hector's life will begin on Monday, November 16, 2026 with a visitation to be held at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until closing prayers to be held at 9:45 a.m. We will then drive in procession to St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Plainfield for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville.