Charles George Rivera passed away on Thursday, July 6 with family by his side at the Oakdale Nursing and Rehab Center. Chuck was born on September 14, 1942 to Charles and Dorothy Rivera in San Francisco, CA. He was the oldest of five children, with younger siblings Delores, Carolyn, Phillip and Patricia. The family resided in the Valley Home area. Chuck attended Oakdale schools graduating from Oakdale High School in 1960 where he was active in FFA. Within days of turning 18 he enlisted in the Marine Corps until 1963 when he was called home due to his father’s untimely passing. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Reserves in 1966 with a rank as Lance Corporal.
He met and married Audrey Pitassi-Rivera in 1963 and together they had two children Gregory and Alicia. He was widowed in 1971. He married Julie Souza-Rivera in 1973 and they had one son Rodney.
Chuck was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 152. He was also an avid roper and loved his ranch where he raised cattle. He was a member of the Oakdale Saddle Club where he served as director for three years. In 1980 he was injured in a team roping accident that left him confined to a wheelchair. Despite his injuries he lived independently for many years in his own homes. Chuck loved football and was a faithful Miami Dolphins fan. He was very proud of the 1972 undefeated Dolphins championship team as he reminded anyone who was not a Dolphins fan. He loved his family and enjoyed attending all family gatherings and parties.
Chuck is preceded in death by his wife Audrey Rivera and his sister Carol Avant. He is survived by his brother and sisters, children Greg (Cyndi) Rivera, Alicia (Lance) Johnstad, Rodney (Kari) Rivera, grandchildren Cory, Carey, Brooke, Ross and Randon, great grandchildren Aiden and Layla and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be on Thursday, July 27 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, July 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oakdale followed by burial at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery.
The family would like to thank his care team at ONRC, Dr. Mahida and Dr. Basi for their care and compassion.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
July 19, 2023
