Thomas Sebastian Rivera

Sr, 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend died after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Tom was born on June 9 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his life, he was much loved and respected for his dedication to family, friends and community.

Tom began his career as a proud member of the Illinois National Guard. After attending Loyola University and finishing his B.A. at Roosevelt University

Tom became a sportswriter for the Chicago Tribune. He subsequently was offered the Vice Presidency of Public Relations and Marketing Director for Madison Square Garden and Arlington Park Racetrack. In 1981 as one of the founding members of the first Arlington Million Race, Tom considered this achievement as one of his proudest successes. During his 18 racing years, he made life-long, treasured friendships.

1982 was the year Tom with his wife Kathleen (Kathy) Rivera, founded the multiple award winning KRT Productions, serving corporations and education companies across the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. Tom’s notable business career includes multiple industry awards in addition to an Emmy and Telly award for achievement in writing, producing, and marketing for the History Channel, CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, Nickelodeon, ESPN and PBS networks. It was in 1983; Tom accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Woodfield Convention Bureau. For the next 26 years he built and influenced the bureau’s continuing successes, including his statewide Presidency and consulting roles for the Illinois Tourism Industry. In 2019, the Illinois Department of Tourism awarded Tom its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him by Governor J.B. Pritzker. For 18 years in between his Racing, Television and Tourism careers, Tom volunteered on the St. Alexius Hospital Board. After validating his leadership, influences and expertise, he was voted as Chairman of the Alexian Hospital Network Board, servicing in this role for more than five years.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth (Lawless) Rivera and Sebastian Rivera his brother James Rivera and first wife Mary Ann (Sheridan) Rivera. Nan was much loved by Tom and Kathy, and the cherished mother of Tom’s children Margaret (Mike) Wade, Cecelia (Scott) Horan, Thomas Richard Rivera and Peter (Heather) Rivera. Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years Kathleen (Kimotek) Rivera and son John Thomas Rivera, his loving sister, Elizabeth (Rivera) Winberg, his cherished grandchildren Katie, (Kyle), Tom, Nels and Nicholas, great grandchildren Gavin and Parker, along with a number of remarkable nieces and nephews. Tom was truly beloved by all who knew him.