Garry J. Rivera, age 56, suddenly, late of Orland Hills. Beloved husband of Marcia nee King; devoted father of Amber (Juan) Verduzco, Jocelyn (Jesse) Turek, Stephanie Rivera, Paige Rivera, and La Rivera; soon-to-be proud grandfather of 2; dear brother of Sutton Rivera and Kevin Rivera; loving brother-in-law of Monica (Jim) Lee and Matthew (Kelly) King; dear son of the late Henry and Shirley Rivera; loving son-in-law of Rita and the late Marion King; kind uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Garry grew up in Santa Barbara, California where he lived with his mom, sister and brother. Growing up, Garry played every sport under the sun and was a natural at anything he tried. His favorites were football, baseball, and rugby.  During Garry's teenage years and athletic abilities, he was honored with a scholarship to play football at Bishop Garcia Diego Catholic High School in Santa Barbara. There he continued to fall in love with sports and excelled with an occasional "too talkative" on his report cards. He loved to fish, be with his friends and, of course, surf. The surfing life was the life for Garry. California was the place where Garry learned to grow, change and fall in love.

During Garry's time as a bartender at Brophy's in Santa Barbara, California he met the love of his life, Marcia. Although he knew Marcia's time was limited on a travel nursing contract in Santa Barbara, Garry was determined to pursue her. He learned all about her and became Marcia's "bartender friend" until he knew he meant much more. On Marcia's way to her next contract in Hawaii, Garry booked a one way flight to "visit" her and stay forever! Their love story is one true with determination, sacrifice and support which has carried a great legacy today with 5 beautiful daughters.

Today Garry continues to live a legacy with being a husband, father, coach, friend and mentor. Garry coached softball for over two decades starting with his oldest daughter, Amber. He continued to grow his passion for coaching and sports through running the Orland Hills Wolves softball and baseball program as well as coaching travel softball teams for his two other daughters, Jocelyn and Paige. Although he did not coach Stephanie and La in sports, he was always front row to their volleyball and cheerleading events. Garry continued to be proud of his daughters athletic success but always put their academics at a priority. As his daughters became older, he continued to mentor softball teams and even coach at the collegiate level for Dominican University. Garry grew his love for his daughters as he was a soon-to-be grandpa, watched his girls become successful in their careers and still love his life the "Garry way". Garry took pride in his family and neighbors of 88th Court and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was especially thankful for making friends that became family in our small town of Orland Hills. Garry lived his life to the fullest, sober, and very proudly for the last 22 years and without regret.

Dad, we love you so much and we are so proud of all you accomplished too. Thank you for doing and sacrificing everything for all of us.

Visitation Wednesday 3 p.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life at 8 p.m. at Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 14318 S. LaGrange Road (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.) Orland Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bishop Garcia Diego High School.

https://www.bishopdiego.org/support/online-giving