Luis Manuel Rivera Perez

Luis Manuel Rivera Perez, born on June 17, 1949, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by service, dedication, and love for family and community. Luis was the beloved son of Andres Rivera and Gloria Perez, who preceded him in death, and he grew up surrounded by the warmth and beauty of Coamo.

Luis’s early years in Puerto Rico laid the foundation for a lifetime of caring, resilience, and commitment. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Universidad Mundial, using his education to embark on a long and honorable career in public service. For seventeen years, Luis served as a police officer and sergeant with the Policia Estatal de Puerto Rico, protecting his community and upholding the values of justice and integrity. After his tenure with the police force in Puerto Rico, he moved his family to the great state of Texas, where he transitioned into insurance sales, applying his principled approach to helping others for five years.

In the later chapter of his professional life, Luis devoted fourteen years as a blood donation courier for Carter BloodCare. Through this selfless work, he played an essential role in ensuring that lifesaving blood reached those in urgent need—a testament to his deeply rooted desire to serve.

Luis was not only committed to his vocation but also to his civic responsibilities. He was an active member of the Lion's Club of Jayuya, Puerto Rico, embodying the spirit of community service and leadership. Although not a member, he often found spiritual strength and connection at St. Luke Catholic Church in Irving, Texas.

Beyond his professional and civic endeavors, Luis will be remembered for his vibrant love of music and family gatherings. A talented musician, he found joy in playing percussion instruments, guitar, and trombone, as well as singing. Barbecues at his home became cherished occasions for bringing family and friends together, where laughter and warmth filled the air.

Luis’s steadfastness and devotion found their greatest expression in his family. On December 26, 1970, he married his devoted wife, Darida B. Rivera, with whom he shared over five decades of partnership and love. He is survived by Darida; his children Jaminet, Jesinet (and son-in-law Brad Seay), Jirinet, and Luis M. (and daughter-in-law Yanira Rivera); his grandchildren Bryanna, Jessica, Anthony, Carlos, Daritsa, Dyanna, Brigett, Jordan, Daniel, and Diego; and his great-grandchildren Taedynn, Gabriella, Amari, and Gabriel. Luis leaves behind a legacy carried forward by several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles, each of whom benefited from his wisdom, humor, and affection.

He is lovingly remembered among those who have passed before him: his parents, Andres and Gloria; his sisters Carmen Gloria and Edna Violeta; and his niece, Carmencita.

Luis’s journey was extended and enriched through a profound blessing. In November 2018, he received the extraordinary gift of a heart and kidney transplant, which, thanks to the compassionate and skilled care of the transplant team at UT Southwestern Medical Center, afforded him precious additional years with those he cherished most.

Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Luis Manuel Rivera Perez are invited to come together and honor his memory at the Memorial Service on August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Chism-Smith Funeral Home, located at 403 South Britain Road, Irving, TX 75060.

Luis’s legacy of service, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his music, and the loving gatherings that brought his family and friends so much happiness.