In Loving Memory of Dr. Tom Rivera

The educational leader and longtime advocate for our community, “Dr. Tom”, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday 8th of March 2022 at the age of 82. Dr. Tom devoted his life’s work to service and empowerment of others, particularly the Latino youth. He showed what was possible when individuals are shown the love of familia, the call to leadership, and the feeling of pride in themselves. He helped mold and uplift many in our region. He founded and developed programs to help underrepresented students succeed and become future leaders and mentors themselves. May the eternal flame he ignited continue to blaze in each of us forever.

Our LULAC Council has been privileged with having a great community leader such as Dr. Tom Rivera as one of our members.

His passing has left our membership wheel without a very important spoke. His knowledge and spirit for serving our community however will remain and serve our organization for many years to come.

Dr. Tom will be remembered for his leadership and sincere commitment to the educational advancement of the underrepresented students in the Inland Empire. He uplifted countless lives and contributed to the success of many through dedication. Our deepest condolences to his family. His spirit will continue to inspire us all.

May He Rest in Peace!

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the organizations most dear to Dr. Tom:

• Inland Empire Future Leaders

• Tzu Chi Foundation

More info:

http://tinyurl.com/HonoringDrTom

San Bernardino Sun most recently ran a profile on him in 2020

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) has installed him in their Hall of Fame, listing his phenomenal community involvement in their profile of him.

Live Stream Link for the Memorial Service for Dr. Tom Rivera (same link both the 18th & 19th): https://youtu.be/q-iCDD5XGkg

This broadcast link will allow the broader community to pay their respects and virtual goodbyes using the internet.

Although the family wants to accommodate all those who wish to grieve or honor Dr. Tom, they ask the wider public to please keep in mind that the church is small and cannot accommodate the physical presence of too many mourners.

3/18 Friday: Wake – San Salvador Catholic Church, Colton 6PM Silent Reflection, 7PM Honored Speakers, 8PM Silent Reflection

3/19 Saturday: Funeral – San Salvador Catholic Church, Colton 9:30AM Welcoming of Dr Tom to San Salvador, 10AM Mass, 11:45AM Departure Burial – Hermosa Gardens Cemetery, Colton, 12:30-1:00PM Lay to Rest, Reception – Immediately Following at San Bernardino Valley College – Cafeteria/Sunroom

ACTIONS TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY DURING COVID-2020

LULAC NATIONAL and LULAC OF RIVERSIDE created a  matching funds project to provide food to the needy families during the COVID- 19 pandemic. We did not take pictures of the families for ethical reasons. We did take pictures at Northgate store with Jorge Ayala, Assistant Store Director, Team Lead and our two LULAC members while receiving the food certificates. These certificates were distributed to 10 families in the Riverside School District and 10 families at the Jurupa School District. Each family got four, $25.00 certificates from Northgate. Our LULAC members,Norma Barles and Joel Martinez shown in the pictures work for these School Districts. Norma works for Riverside School District and Joelworks for the Jurupa Unified. Each of the families were very grateful for the food vouchers and we are very grateful to NORTHGATE MARKET in Riverside for joining LULAC OF RIVERSIDE on an event to help our families in need during these very difficult times.


We continue to move forward!