Renato B. Rivera, M.D.

Renato B. Rivera, M.D., age 84 of Breese, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Dr. Rivera was born on February 24, 1942, in Loay, Bohol, Philippines, the son of Constantino and Epifania Bacol Rivera. He attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, completing his premedical studies from 1957 to 1959 and earning his medical degree there in 1964.

Following medical school, Dr. Rivera came to the United States and completed an internship and general surgery residency at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange, New Jersey. He then practiced general surgery and family medicine at Montgomery General Hospital in Montgomery, West Virginia, from 1970 to 1972. He was certified by the American Board of Surgery on December 19, 1973.

Dr. Rivera married Erlinda Cue on July 21, 1968, in Quezon City, Philippines. In 1972, Dr. Rivera and his family moved to Carlyle, where he began practicing general surgery and family medicine. He later continued his general surgery practice in Breese. After 49 years of caring for patients and serving the community, Dr. Rivera retired from the practice of medicine in 2021.

His desire to care for others extended well beyond his medical practice. In 2005, Dr. Rivera founded “Operation Giving Back: Bohol Mission,” returning to his native Philippines each year to take part in surgical mission trips. He continued making the annual trips through 2020, providing surgical care to those in need. The organization he began continues its work today, carrying on Dr. Rivera’s commitment to giving back to the people of Bohol by providing food and homes to those less fortunate.

Dr. Rivera was a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus council 2869 in Breese. He regularly attended daily Mass and found joy in bringing the Eucharist to homebound members of the parish.

Dr. Rivera is survived by his children, Dr. Christopher Rivera (Lisa) of Breese, Dr. Kate Rivera-Kunz (Lance) of Breese, Michael Rivera (Jenny) of Breese, Elizabeth Cyrus (Dr. Tillmann) of Las Vegas, NV, and Dr. Robert Rivera (Chantel) of Kirkland, WA; his grandchildren, Dr. Renee Connor (Brendan), Alex Rivera (Hailey), Rachel Rivera, Olivia Kunz, Andrew Rivera, Nathan Rivera (Jillian), Zachary Rivera, Jacqueline Cyrus, Peter Cyrus, Georgine Rivera, and Evelyn Rivera; his siblings, Estrella Villoria and Benhur Rivera; his in-laws, Rosita Rivera, Maria Jesusa Cue “Ching” Wiegman, and Remy Cue; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Constantino and Epifania Bacol Rivera; his dear wife, Erlinda Cue Rivera on January 31, 2026; a son, Anthony Rivera; his siblings, Aurora Caterio and Orlando Rivera; and his in-laws, Teodoto Caterio, Avelino Villoria, Precentacion Rivera, Gerard Wiegman, Teodorico Cue, Anita Carag Cue, and Rogelio Cue.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 12, 2026, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 493 N 2nd St, Breese, IL 62230. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Carlyle. Visitation will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and on Monday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family suggests memorial donations in his memory to St. Dominic Church, St. Augustine Church, Mater Dei High School Marching Knights, Mater Dei Catholic High School, or to All Saints Academy. Donations and condolence cards will be received at the church or through Zieren Funeral Home, PO Box 276, Carlyle, IL 62231.