Peter Rivera

Peter Angel Rivera, aged 91, of Decatur, Texas, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025. He was born on Jun 5, 1933 in Puerto Rico, near Cabo Rojo, to Mother Leonor M. Ferrer and Father Nico Rivera. Peter resided there, briefly, as a young child before relocating to Manhattan, New York, where he was raised. Preceding him in death are his parents, Nico Rivera and Leonor Ferrer; Brother’s Grimm Rivera and Israel Rivera and sister, Elba Boone.

Peter was loved and will no doubt, be missed by many. He was a man who wore many hats, active in the lives of his loved ones, but also his community. Early on in his career, Peter joined the air force; serving his country for 8 years, valiantly. He was a draftsman in the military, so after he retired, he chose to continue chasing his passion for design and architecture.

He worked in Tulsa, Oklahoma until 1966 when he was offered an architectural job in Dallas, Texas. Peter relocated his budding family to Texas and planted roots. In 1969, he founded “Peter A. Rivera Associates”. He and his business spanned several cities across Texas before landing permanently in Decatur.

If you were to take a trip through Decatur, it’s likely that you’d happen upon one of the many homes and establishments that Peter has designed; this includes the Trinity Fellowship where his services will be held. Architectural Design was something that Peter loved, and he continued working on projects until he was 89, shortly after he had taken residence at the Assisted Living Facility. This was never considered work to him, but a hobby; something he found enjoyment and comfort in. As a matter of fact, Peter enjoyed it so much, that he took up teaching art classes at his residence.

It was important to Peter that he use his voice. He enjoyed campaigning and participating in politics. He was also a standing member of both the Dallas and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. He was the recipient of many awards, including but not limited to:
An award for the Texas Institute of Building
A certificate from the American Institute of Building and Design
He was also elected as a member of the City Council for Runaway Bay.

Peter had many interests that extended beyond the world of politics and his career, though. He was a man whom everyone enjoyed spending time with. He loved music, dancing and singing; he was a social butterfly, spending many of his evenings participating in karaoke, often coming home late after a night well spent. He kept busy and enjoyed a good game of tennis, racketball, handball, paddleball and pool. In his younger years, he was a gymnast, eventually lending that love to his daughter by coaching her gymnast team. He was also an avid traveler, surely dawning some of his inspiration for his work from the beautiful sights he experienced during his explorations.

Peter was someone who truly enjoyed life and all that it had to offer; he spent it doing what he loved and influencing so many during his journey. His impact, leaving a ripple on generations to come. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Surviving Peter in death are daughters Genevieve Rivera Gibson and husband, Gary; Connie Johnson and husband, Dennis; son, Nicholas Rivera; sister, Dora Cloud; Grandchildren Preston Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Maria Rene Williams and husband, Jason; Hunter Lane and wife, Draven; great-granddaughters Susie Williams and Sara Kate Williams.