George Rivera

Age 85, beloved brother, uncle, father and grandfather, was called by Our Lord to his heavenly home on April 28, 2013. Born in Santa Fe on September 9, 1927, his dedication to an active, healthy lifestyle makes his untimely passing difficult for family and friends sharing in this loss. George will be welcomed into Eternal Life by his sons Christopher and Peter Rivera; mother, Sarita and father, Abelino Rivera; brothers, Belarmino, Clemente and Willie Rivera; sister, Dolores Rivera; along with many other family members and close friends. Surviving family members include daughters Diane and Lita (Erwin); six grandchildren, Kimberly Gonzales, Noberto (Breanna), Alma (Luis), Santiago, Ramon (Bernadette), Victoria (Sebastian) and five great-grandchildren. Surviving; brothers are Arsenio (Rosemary), Sotero, and Delfinio (Jean) and; sisters are Rafaelita Griego, Antonia (Frank) Gallegos and Cecilia Rivera as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews. George was raised in the village of Agua Fria and spent most of his life in Santa Fe, where he was a professional land surveyor and a well-respected member of the community. He volunteered his time to many civic committees and organizations for both the City and County of Santa Fe. He also donated his time and valuable skills as a volunteer on the building committees of two Catholic parishes, Santa Maria de la Paz in Santa Fe and Incarnation in Rio Rancho, where he had lived the latter years of his life. Prior to, and after, owning his land surveying business he had been employed by Scanlon & Associates and the New Mexico Highway Department. He retired from the Highway Department in 1993. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947, during which time he began his training in the field of surveying, while stationed in the Admiralty Islands in the South Pacific. A visitation will be held Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 5:00 pm at FRENCH - Rio Rancho, 1950 Pine Rd., followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, May 6, 2013 at 11 am at St. Anne's Parish, 511 Alicia St in Santa Fe with interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 pm. Please visit our online guestbook for George at - Rio Rancho1950 Pine Rd NERio Rancho, NM 87144(505)338-2000