Romaldo Rivera, 82, died Saturday, August 24, 2019 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. He was born February 7, 1937 in Colotlan, Jalisco, Mexico the son of Victor & Elena (Ruvalcaba) Rivera.
Romaldo moved with his family to Juarez, Mexico when he was a child. On June 6, 1959, he married Amalia Zapata in Juarez, Mexico. In 1974, they moved to Garden City. They later moved to Lincoln, Kansas in 1999 before moving back to Garden City in 2016. Romaldo proudly became a citizen of the United States in 1993. While living in Mexico, Romaldo was a Professional Wrestler, and wrestled under the names of “El Rayo” and “Tony Rivera.” After moving to Garden City, he worked at Farmland and IBP. Romaldo was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City and was very active in church activities. He helped with funeral dinners, marriage preparation, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lincoln, Kansas where he helped in cleaning the church. Romaldo was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed cooking, dancing and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife Amalia Rivera of the home; eight children Leticia Rivera and partner Jose Ramirez of McMinnville, Oregon, Jorge & wife Celia Rivera of Salina, Kansas, Laura & husband Samuel Ortiz of Garden City, Geronimo & wife Rene’e Rivera of Wichita, Kansas, Jose “Art” & wife Ericka Rivera of Harker Heights, Texas, Hector Rivera of Garden City, Veronica & husband Jose Rojas of Lincoln, Kansas, and Enrique “Rick” & wife Jami Rivera of Augusta, Kansas; twenty six grandchildren; thirty two great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Romaldo is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Pedro Rivera, Jose Rivera, & Luis Rivera; and two sisters Juanita Rivera and Fransisca “Panchita” Rivera.
A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 also at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday all at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to the Romaldo Rivera Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.