José Aurelio Rivera Prats

José Aurelio Rivera Prats, age 97, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026. He was born on March 23, 1929, in the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rican parents, Enrique Rivera Vives and Julia Prats, who were serving as missionaries.

José spent his childhood in the Dominican Republic until the age of 14, when a devastating hurricane destroyed the family’s mission and prompted their return to Puerto Rico.

After returning to Puerto Rico, he graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a business administration and accounting degree. José proudly served in the United States Army for two years before beginning his professional career. He worked for the Royal Bank of Canada and the IRS, and the last 20 years worked and retired from the U.S. Customs Service, where he served as a Customs Agent and Supervisor.

Alongside his career, José was a music enthusiast. Although he studied music formally for two years, he possessed a remarkable natural gift of playing by ear. He enjoyed playing the accordion, piano, guitar, and harmonica, bringing joy to family and friends through his music. He also had a passion for sports. Basketball was his favorite, and he played throughout his youth and adulthood.

He is survived by his three daughters: Loida Rivera Delgado and her husband, Edgardo Delgado; Caroline Rivera Nieves and her husband, José Nieves; and Enza Rivera Rodriguez and her husband, Samuel Rodriguez.

He was the proud grandfather of Roxana and Samuel Delgado; Caroline and Rafael Santiago; and Raquel, Iván, and Saúl Rodríguez.

He was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Claire Rose Delgado; Neeley, Nelson, Jaden, Aaliyah, and Xavier Santiago; and Addison, Atlanta, Arthur, and Arrow Luelf.

A celebration of José’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Presbyterian Church in Jenks, Oklahoma. Following the service, family and friends are invited to stay for a barbecue lunch in his honor.

José’s life was marked by faith, service, music, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.