Bishop Edward Malesic will be the main celebrant at the Dec. 22 funeral Mass for Deacon John Rivera. The liturgy will be at 11 a.m. in St. Julie Billiart Church, 5500 Lear Nagle Road, North Ridgeville. Deacon Lou Maldonado will be the homilist.
The wake for Deacon Rivera will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. Dec. 21 in St. Julie Church. It will continue until 6 p.m. Father Joe Mamich, diocesan vicar for clergy and religious, will preside at vespers with Father Charlie Ryba as the homilist.
Deacon Rivera, 85, died on Dec. 17. Survivors include his wife Dolores (nee Alvarez), children and grandchildren.
He was ordained to the permanent diaconate for service to the Diocese of Cleveland by Bishop Anthony Pilla on May 30, 1987 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
After ordination, Deacon Rivera was assigned to St. Augustine Parish, Cleveland, Hispanic Ministry, Tremont Area and St. Julie Billiart Parish. During these assignments, he also served as part-time chaplain of Grafton Correctional Institute and Grafton Honor Farm, effective Jan. 29, 1999.
Deacon Rivera retired on Feb. 1, 2021.
Those who knew him said he will be remembered for his commitment and dedication to prison ministry. They said he had a powerful presence as he brought hope and peace to those in prison. He was well-respected by the incarcerated. They also said he will be remembered for his love and appreciation for his family.
Interment will be at St. Peter Cemetery in North Ridgeville.