John Rivera

In loving memory of John Rivera, devoted husband of his beloved wife, Diana, we announce with deep sadness his passing on August 22, 2024. Born in Albuquerque, NM on June 21, 1954, to the late Chano and Martha (Rincon) Rivera, Diana and John met in 1984 at the Young Adult Singles Group at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abilene, TX, and married each other on June 14, 1986 at Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock. They lived in Abilene, Miami, San Antonio, Austin, and settled in Lubbock when he joined the staff at Texas Tech University’s College of Engineering.

John dedicated his life to education, serving as Assistant Academic Dean in the Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering (WCOE). He retired after 28 years of service on December 31, 2019. Employment experience was varied: civil engineer, sales, Roman Catholic campus minister, and higher education administrator. His academic credentials include a B.S. in Civil Engineering at The University of Texas-Austin, 1976; and two master’s degrees: an M.B.A. in Marketing at Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX, 1985, and an M.A. in Pastoral Ministries & Counseling, at St. Thomas University, Miami, FL, 1990. While working full-time at Texas Tech, he returned to graduate school at age 60, and completed courses towards a Phd (ABD) in Industrial, Manufacturing & System Engineering (ISME) at TTU-WCOE. Work experience and academic curiosity in student success created a research focus in engineering education as a system.

John’s commitment to his family and his fervor for academia made a lasting impact on all who knew him. His love for Diana was evident in the way he treated her like a princess every day. John will be deeply missed by his family, including his wife Diana, mother-in-law, Maria ‘Carmela’ Cavazos; siblings, Rosemary Rivera & Allen Olson, and Paul Rivera; siblings-in-law, Digna Cavazos Weems & James Weems, David & Elilah Cavazos, Dahlia & Rich Castillo, Carmen Cavazos, Margarita Cavazos-Andrews & Biltrand Andrews. His many nieces and nephews include Paulina Caban & Sharad Kohli, Alisia Caban & Tim Lewis, Graciana Olson, Daniella & Cesar Marquez, Amanda Cavazos Weems & Gabriel Rodriguez, Michael Weems, Javier Cavazos Weems, Nathan & Alyssa Castillo, Nic Castillo & L’Anette Montes, Elle Cavazos, Ashley & Scott Nohavitza, Biltrand Andrews Jr., Breanna Maria-ReJoyce Andrews, grandnieces: Roxi Olson, Matiana and Caridad Kohli; and grandnephews: César Jesus Marquez and Ford Jarrell Nohavitza. John’s spirit and passion will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Chano and Martha Rivera; father-in-law, Jesus H. Cavazos, and brother-in-law, Juan Jose Ulloa.
We honor and celebrate the life of John Rivera. We invite all those who knew and loved him to join us at Lake Ridge Chapel for a Visitation on Wednesday, August 28th at 5 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be presided by Father Greg Dunn, O.P. at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Saint Elizabeth’s University Parish, 2316 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401.

John was more than an educator; he was a mentor and friend to many, leaving a legacy of knowledge and lifelong learning, and kindness that will endure. To honor that legacy, memorial contributions are suggested to the John Rivera Memorial Scholarship for Undergraduate Research Experiences at Texas Tech University https://give.ttu.edu/rivera-memorial

You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (New American Bible)

Follow your bliss. Don’t be afraid. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell.

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