Matthew Mark Rivera Jr.

Matthew “Matt” Mark Rivera, Jr., 35, of San Antonio, Texas, was tragically and unexpectedly taken from us on December 4, 2024.

He came into the world in Pueblo, Colorado in 1989 to Matthew M. Rivera, Sr. and Lisa Esquibel, and was known for being an adventurous youngster from the very beginning. He enjoyed the outdoors and many recreational activities throughout his short life. Matt was also extremely creative and well known for his fantastic art work and musical skills. His artistic talent captured viewers’ attention immediately when they saw his detailed sketches, immersive designs, and professionally crafted wall murals.

Matt found the love of his life, Cassandra “Cassie” Juell, while living and working in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After seeing a promising friendship develop into a bond for life, he proposed atop the world-famous ferris wheel near the Louvre museum in Paris, France on January 2, 2022. They were married in May of 2022 and continued enjoying free time and their work together in the entertainment industry in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They moved to San Antonio, Texas in July 2024 where Matt began employment with World Audio and Lights (W.A.L). Matt was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union and championed employee rights while working in the entertainment industry.

His unexpected passing comes as a shock to his family, friends, and loved ones, who are still reeling at the loss. Matt lived a vibrant life and had so much ahead of him. He was taken far too soon. In light of the sudden news, the family asks for privacy as they deal with this tragic situation so near the holidays.

Matthew was preceded in death by his grandfather and grandmother, Amos and Adina Rivera, and grandfather, Louie Esquibel. He is survived by his wife, Cassandra Rivera (Juell); grandmother, Priscilla Licon and her partner, Larry Swallow of Pueblo, Colorado; father, Matthew Rivera, Sr., Albuquerque, New Mexico; mother, Lisa Esquibel, Denver, Colorado; father and mother in-law, Curt and Laura Juell, San Antonio, Texas; sisters and brother, Johanna Esquibel of Pueblo, Colorado and twins Madelynn and Manuel Rivera from Albuquerque, New Mexico; brother and sister in-law, Eric and Aunchelle Juell of

Lake Charles, Louisiana; two wonderful sons, Makai’o and Kaipo Rivera and their mother, Kaivlani Torres from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Grandmother Adina C. Rivera passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6th, 2024. May they Rest in Peace together

The family will hold a viewing and memorial on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:00 pm at 417 East Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, with a second memorial for family and friends in San Antonio, Texas at a date and location to be determined later.