Fernando Rivera

Fernando Francisco Rivera, 63, a resident of Rio Rancho and former long time resident of Santa Fe & Taos, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 17, 2006. He was a former police chief for the town of Taos. He was born on October 2, 1942 in Taos to Gilbert and Maria Luisa Rivera. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Armando Rivera, Louis Rivera, and Antonio Rivera, sisters; Celina Rivera Martinez and Molly Rivera Ferguson, father in-law Joseph de la Cruz Ramirez, and brother in-law Robert Paul Ramirez. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years Barbara Y. Rivera of Santa Fe & Rio Rancho, son Lt. Matthew Rivera of Florida, and daughter Collette Rivera Wyrick of Arizona. Grandchildren, Thomas & Drew Wyrick of Arizona, sisters, Senaida Vigil and husband Arthur of Taos, Magdalena Santistevan and husband Jim of Taos, Donna Hynes and husband Jim of Castro Valley, CA, and Maria Gallegos and husband Alex of Taos, mother in-law Doris Ramirez, brother in-law Michael Ramirez and wife Sandra, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Rosaries were recited on Sept. 20, 2006 at Rivera Chapel and on Sept. 21, 2006 at La Paloma Funeral Home in Santa Fe. Funeral mass was held on Sept. 22, 2006 St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Santa Fe. Interment was held at Santa Fe National Cemetery.