Gerald A. Rivera

Gerald A. Rivera (77) of Santa Rosa, NM passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 23, 2018 at UNM Hospital. Jerry was born in Santa Rosa, NM to the home of Librado and Mary (Salas) Rivera on January 24, 1941.  He attended schools in Santa Rosa and NM Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM.  He was a parishioner of Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church and a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.   Jerry is survived by his wife Betty Moreno and his daughters; Deadra (John) Apodaca, Albuquerque, NM, Darlene (Robert) Taylor, Denver, CO, Denise (Kenneth) Frieberg, Goodyear, AZ, Desirée (Jess) Lewis, Doreen (Peter) Ulibarri, both of Rio Rancho, Yvonne Moreno Starkey, Scottsdale, AZ, Artie (Lisa) Moreno, Kennewick, WA.  A brother, George Rivera and three sisters, Delores (Steve) Sierra, Naty (Jake) Madril, Gloria (Jim) Griego. His brothers-in-law, Ernie (Julia) Baca, Tony (Nancy) Baca. Jerry had 17 grandchildren; John Eric and Andrew Apodaca, Dr. Shana (Zach) Thomas, Tré and Thad Taylor, Nastacia (Michael) Hanold, Leticia and Faustina Chavez, Phillip, Steven (Marlena) and Stephani Lewis, Matthew and Gabriel “Max” Ulibarri,  Stephanie Moreno and Braydon Starkey, Ashlee and Alexa Moreno. He had 6 great grandchildren, Bella and Lima Hanold, Lillyanne Lewis Nelson, Ember, James and Noah Lewis. Jerry is preceded in death by his infant son Giovanni, his parents Librado and Mary Rivera and his wife of 43 years Rita Sisneros Rivera. Jerry was a retired contractor but was most proud of several jobs in particular; the Outlook Tower at the Santa Rosa Dam, numerous NMDOT pedestrian bridges, the Calabacillas Arroyo Bridge and numerous other arroyos around Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.  He was very proud of the work he did on the Frank Lloyd Wright Pottery House in Santa Fe, NM, the Divine Mercy Chapel and the High Desert Community Center. Jerry loved his Catholic Faith, the Divine Mercy Chaplet first and foremost, and his devotion to St. Padre Pio.  He took pride in his garden at his beloved ranch, reading and using his new technology toy, his IPad where he researched many topics on how-to’s and DIY.  Family was very important to him; he loved spending time with his beloved family and friends. Recitation of the most Holy Rosary will be prayed, Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m. in Santa Rosa, NM.  Mass of Christian burial, Friday, November 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Christopher Bernabe officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  Urn bearers will be all grandsons; honorary bearers will be all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.