| Deacon Dennis
Rivera
Deacon Dennis Rivera, who was assigned to Immaculate
Heart of Mary Parish in Brentwood since 2004, died on Oct. 13 after suffering
a heart attack.
Ordained to the San Francisco Arch-diocese in 1995, Deacon Rivera served
as administrator at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in San Francisco for nine
years.
After moving to the Oakland Diocese in 2004 Deacon Rivera also became
known for his dedicated service to the community. At Immaculate Heart
of Mary Parish, Deacon Rivera was active in various ministries and his
death leaves a “big gap in ministry” at the parish, said Father
Jerry Brown, pastor at the Brentwood parish. “Everyone loved him
because he was so giving of himself.”
While maintaining close ties to the archdiocese, Deacon Rivera and his
wife were actively involved with the diocesan deacon community. Deacon
David Rezendes, the Bishop’s Representative to the Diaconate in
the Oakland Diocese and diocesan director of deacon personnel, told The
Voice that Deacon Rivera “modeled what diaconate was all about.
We in the Deacon Community of the Diocese of Oakland will miss him.”
In addition to his wife, Guia, survivors include his sons, Joseph and
Valentin; daughters-in-law, Claudia and Nicola; and three grandchildren.
The funeral Mass was held Oct. 20 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and
burial followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch.
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