Joel Nathaniel Rivera was born in Bakersfield, California on July 27, 1996 to Francisco Rivera and Stacy Valdez. Joel was 16 years old when he passed away at home on March 5, 2013 in Shafter. He was a resident of Shafter, California. Joel is survived by his parents Francisco Rivera and Stacy Valdez; Brothers Leo Rivera and David Rivera; Sister Emily Rivera; Grandparents, Maria and Francisco Rivera and Melba Valdez. Joel is preceded in death by his brother Daniel Rivera. Funeral services were held at the Christian Fellowship Church on Tuesday, March 13, 2013 at 10am.