Tributes

Joseph Abel ‘Tiny’ Rivera, 63, was called home by our Heavenly Father on October 26, 2024. Joseph attended Burbank High School where his tall stature and imposing presence became affectionately known as “Tiny”. Tiny joined his high school football team and together with his teammates secured a San Antonio district championship in 1978. At a young age, he began his good works with the church as a teacher to teenagers. Over time he became an ordained minister. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became one of the pastors at the Open Door Gospel Church. With his unwavering faith, he devoted his life to a ministry according to the Word of God, delivering Bible studies and sermons to congregations in McQueeney and Meadow Wood Acres, and jail ministries in Bexar, Bastrop, and Lockhart County jails. While the pandemic kept him from being able to connect to his congregation through normal church services, Joseph was inspired to record his sermons from home, allowing him to continue his ministry and expand his outreach online. Joseph was a mentor to many; a counselor to those seeking guidance, and a friendly ear for those just wanting to reminisce about life. Joseph would begin most mornings at 3 AM talking to God and praying for others, naming each individual one by one. If you ever asked him for prayer, he never forgot you. There was always a place in his heart for you too. During the pandemic, with inflation rising, Joseph and his wife saw that there were families who were unable to celebrate Thanksgiving. Together with those among his congregation, they were able to provide turkey dinners to those less fortunate. Since then, it has grown into a yearly tradition, and though Joseph has passed, his wishes will continue as we plan to provide Thanksgiving meals to the housing project tenants in Seguin, TX. An act of giving he did similarly when he was younger. A few times, Joseph would find himself in line at the grocery store, behind a young mother who would not have enough money to complete their transaction. He would step in and pay the difference, much to the delight of that young mother. After a 30+ year employment at Smith Chevrolet, Joseph’s days were filled with family, friends, and food. It always brought a smile on his face to be taken somewhere by surprise, whether that was a local restaurant, a meat market in the county next over, or a football game. Days spent among friends and family were always cherished by him. The love for his wife and kids were unmatched. Each day was spent with his family sharing countless laughs and inside jokes. He never strayed away from a witty response, was quick with numbers, and had a memory to match. He stayed present for his kids, never missing a school event. Not just a dad, but a copilot, navigator, family BBQ pitmaster, coach, and best friend. Joseph will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Frances, his son, Adam, and his daughter, Victoria. He will also be missed by his brother, Arthur, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Eva Rivera. In remembrance of Joseph – our friend, pastor, teammate, mentor and dad. Let us celebrate a life full of love and service. A good and faithful servant who fought a good fight, has finished his course, and has kept his faith.

Tributes

Joseph A. Rivera

May 8, 1961 - October 26, 2024