Hector Rivera

A private celebration of life ceremony is set to honor Hector Hurtado Rivera, 72, who passed away from Covid-pneumonia on January 30th at Saddleback Memorial Hospital. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Rivera graduated from Cathedral High School in 1966. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Orange Coast College while working full-time as a police officer for the City of San Clemente. Rivera’s 33-year law enforcement career culminated in his promotion as Head Lieutenant for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, over the unincorporated, southeast portion of Orange County; including Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, and Dove Canyon. A long-term resident of San Juan Capistrano, Rivera spent the majority of his adult life serving and protecting the people of the communities he so loved. As a member of Capo Beach Church in Capistrano Beach, he was a man of strong faith and devotion. Rivera prized his family above all, giving selflessly to invest in the lives of his children and grandchildren alongside his wife, Danni. They were adventurous travelers, both in America and abroad. Some of their favorite memories include trips to Israel, Maui, Cinque Terre, Lake Arrowhead, and Palm Springs. Rivera was an avid power-walker at the Dana Point Harbor. He enjoyed good music and great food, especially in the company of loved ones. While Rivera’s life has been marked by many professional accomplishments, it can be said that his family was his greatest treasure. He passes on to his children and grandchildren a legacy of trust in God, family first, and a life well lived in service to others. He is survived by his beloved wife of 10 years, Danni Starr-Rivera; son, Nikolas Rivera; daughter, April Melinda Rivera, and spouse, Shannon; son, David Moran Rivera; daughter, Wendy Lennae Hill and husband, Michael; daughter-in-law, Jessica Raven Townsend and husband, Shaun; son-in-law Todd Paul Murphy and wife, Angel; brother Henry Hurtado and wife, Janet; brother Manual Hurtado; brother Eddie Serna and wife Pam; sister Elena Cable; Eleven Grandchildren: Nikolas, Alexis, Brooke, Jadelyn, David, Matthew, Carter, Ivy, Noah, Alison, and Rian. Rivera was proceeded in death by his beloved mother, Ramona Hurtado; brother, Arthur Hurtado; and nephew, Chris Hurtado. A very special thank you to everyone that provided prayer and support to Danni and the kids during Hector’s hospital stay. He left this world unexpectedly but now dwells in great glory and joy with God in heaven through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Rivera’s famous line when greeting his grandkids was, “These faces! I love these faces!” His words will echo in our hearts until he declares them again as we are reunited in heaven. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Capo Beach Church in memory of Hector Rivera.