Gilberto “Gil” Cadena Rivera, age 91, of Brady, Texas passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Heart of Texas Health Systems in Brady, Texas. Gil was born November 26, 1933, in Chapman Ranch, Texas to Celestino Rivera and Elvira (Cadena) Rivera. He married Julia Gonzales on September 9, 1956, in Kingsville, Texas. While living in Tahoka, Gil was an auxiliary police officer for several years and coached little league baseball. In 1974, he moved the family to Brady and worked as a mechanic. He also worked as a stone mason for several years before going to work for the Brady I.S.D., where he worked for 13 years, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Per Gil’s wishes there will be no public services. Friends may view and/or sign Gil’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.

Gil Rivera is survived by his special friend Theresa Helmick of Brady, TX; daughter Adriana Rivera of North Richland Hills, TX; son Alex Rivera and wife Petra of Brady, TX; brothers Ramiro Rivera and wife Gloria of Weatherford, TX and Mayo Rivera and wife Lupe of Childress, TX; sisters Mary Ortega of Corpus Christi, TX, Minerva Chadis of Brady, TX and Celia Alfaro and husband Lazarus of Anson, TX; grandchildren Alesia Evans, Israel Reyes and Crystal Rivera; great-grandchildren Izabella, Isiah, Alexander and Tristan and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers Roberto and Celestino, Jr. and sisters Alicia Gonzalez and Adela Flores and brother-in-law Mike Ortega. Memorial contributions in memory of Gilberto “Gil” Rivera may be made to the Brady Memorial Scholarship Fund at the high school.