William P. Rivera

William P. Rivera, (Bill) 85, loving husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at his home in Orange, California. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Martina, daughter Karen (Ruben) and sons William (Zusana) and Stephen Rivera; grandchildren Anthony, Armando, Jennie; great-grandchildren Joshua, Jaren, Isabel, and Adriana. Bill was born in Roscoe, Nebraska on July 20, 1936, to William M. and Lenora Rivera. Bill is survived by sister Anita Vieyra. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Lenora Rivera, a brother Ruben, and sisters Nadine and Esther. Bill attended St. Patrick Catholic schools in North Platte, Nebraska, and graduated from high school in 1954. In December of 1954, he married Martina Dominguez also of North Platte, Nebraska. In January of 1956, he moved to Los Angeles, California to seek a better job. Soon after, he was joined by his wife and daughter. Bill became employed by Electronic Engineering Co. of Los Angeles. When the company moved to Santa Ana, California in 1958, Bill and his family also moved there. In 1966, Bill started his insurance career with Pacific Fidelity Life Insurance as an agent. In 1979, he joined Farmers Insurance as an agent. In 1980, he opened his own agency, Bill Rivera Insurance Services. He retired after 39 years in the insurance industry in 2005. Bill served in the Army National Guard in Nebraska and California. He served for 9 years from 1953 to 1962. Bill was active in many organizations including the American GI Forum and League of United Latin Citizens (LULAC). He was active in his Parish of Holy Family Catholic Church as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister. As a Special Eucharistic Minister, he distributed Holy Communion during mass and to the sick and elderly. He led the communion service at Fountain Rest Home in Orange, California. Funeral services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, with a Rosary beginning at 11:15 am followed by a Mass at 12:00 pm. Interment service will be at Fairhaven Memorial immediately after the Mass with a reception to follow.