Julio Rivera's Obituary
Julio Rivera was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on March 3, 1951, to Julio Rivera Sr. and Ana Esther Rodriguez. Julio passed away in Dallas, Texas, on July 6, 2025. He grew up in both Puerto Rico and New York City. Julio said his mother taught him how to cook, sew, and do housework from an early age so that he "could always take care of himself if he was ever alone."
Julio began learning the detailed trade of housekeeping at a young age, working alongside his father and family in New York City. He continued to refine those skills when he partnered with Bob Gamble in Dallas in 2000. Julio became a master in construction and final cleaning for John A. Arnold, Inc., where he worked until his illness forced him to retire in 2023. His perfectionism and dedication to his craft became well known and respected throughout the Metroplex office buildings he worked in.
In 1980, Julio married Lisa Krevat. They shared 28 years of love, devotion, and joy until her untimely passing in 2008. Julio and Lisa had a deep affection for their beloved "doggies," caring for each one as if they were their own children. After Lisa's passing, Julio continued to honor her memory by bringing her flowers and "visiting with her" several times a week— until his illness made it too difficult.
Through his work, Julio made numerous close friends, and during his two-year battle with AML, he continued to expand his circle of loved ones—his "family," as he would say. Julio was deeply appreciative of the beautiful care and love he received from all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and home health team members who cared for him. He said their smiles, encouragement, and love gave him the strength to keep going, and that some of them were like "angels" to him.
Julio lived an unpretentious life marked by hard work, loyalty, and compassion for others.
His warm smile and kind spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
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