Former County Clerk passes

JOE G. RIVERA

NEWS Staff Report

Former and longtime Cameron County Clerk Joe G. Rivera passed away on April 2, 2025.

In a prepared statement, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. stated, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former longtime Cameron County Clerk, Joe G. Rivera.”

For decades, Rivera was a fixture in Cameron County, serving in various capacities, most notably as County Clerk for 38 years. As County Clerk, Rivera and his office were responsible for filing county records such as real estate deeds, business names, vital statistics, military discharge papers, and hundreds of other types of documentation. In addition, the County Clerk is responsible for serving as clerk for the Commissioners’ Court.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Rivera family, especially his wife Ofie and his children, all his friends, and those impacted by this untimely loss. We will always remember Joe for his passion and commitment to serve his community along with his ability to always make everyone around him smile and laugh, knowing that he was a good man and friend to everyone. He proudly served the people of Cameron County for many years. May he Rest in Peace,” stated Treviño.

Rivera passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family.
According to his family, Rivera was deeply committed to his community, always striving to enhance public service and meet the needs of the people.

His passion for service began early in his career through volunteer work with the Jaycees and Esperanza Home for Boys. He was also actively involved with the United Way Board of Directors and the District and County Clerks State Organization.

Throughout his life, Rivera received numerous awards and honors, including: County Clerk of the Year for the State of Texas, recognition from the Brownsville Rotary Club, Boy Scout Leadership awards, multiple accolades from the United Way of Southern Cameron County, and a commendation for his outstanding contributions to the Cameron County Bail Bonds Board. Above all, according to his obituary, Rivera was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a cherished friend to many.

Rivera is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ofilia Rivera, and their children: Michael Rivera and his son Daniel Abasolo and his wife Lara Tomlin; Joe Ernest Rivera and his wife Jeannette Rivera, and their children Jacquelyn Selvera and her husband Christopher Selvera, Joe Ernest Rivera Jr. and his wife Lourdes Rivera; Robert Rivera and his wife Brenda Rivera, and their daughter Lisa Freeman and partner Frederick Robinson; John Rivera and his wife Betty Rivera, and their children April Marie Standridge, Stephanie Rivera, Eric Rivera and his partner Kindel Byrne; Norma Myers and her husband Mike Myers 10 great-grandchildren Sister Estella Taylor.

Visitation was held on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 3-9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville, TX.

The funeral service is on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 12 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church, 2800 Rockwell Dr., Brownsville, TX, followed by a procession and burial at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Brownsville.

“Rivera’s legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to his family and community will forever be remembered,” reads his obituary.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Catholiccharitiesrgv.org or the American Heart Association at Heart.org in memory of Rivera.

For more information about the funeral services, contact Freddy & Lenny Elizondo – Funeral Directors/Owners at Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 E Harrison Ave, Harlingen, TX. at (956) 364-2444 or visit us at www.trinityfunerals.com.