Jose Bernie Rivera

Jose Bernardo (Bernie) Rivera, a lifelong resident of Ensenada, passed away December 22, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Oralia Rivera of Ensenada, daughter Louisa Ulibarri (Ralph) from Aztec, son Gilberto Rivera (Alva) from California and daughter Dolores Romero (Greg) from Belen, grandchildren Claudine Mazzeo (Tony), Synthia Romero McDonald (Kevin), Renee Ulibarri, Jonathan Romero, great-grandchildren Dean, Kayden, and Kolten McDonald, brother Martin Rivera (Bertha). He was predeceased in death by his youngest son Roy Pacomio Rivera, brothers Frank and Ralph Rivera and parents Martin Rivera and Louisita Duran Rivera. Bernie was a devoted Catholic and was very actively involved in the church. His devotion to the church was exemplified by his active involvement as Eucharistic minister taking communion to the sick for many years. In addition, he was a member of the parish council for 13 years. He served in the Navy during WWII aboard the USS Boxer (CV 21). He was a longtime member of the Samora Montoya V.F.W. Post 8448. He worked for the Los Alamos Medical Center for 22 years and moved back home to work as a custodian for the Chama Valley Schools for 15 years. He took much pride in his work and received many awards for excellent job performance. Having been born in Ensenada, he felt it was important to be an active member of the community. He was always willing to work to maintain and improve the quality of life in the area. A rosary was recited on Monday, December 30, 2013, followed by the Funeral mass at San Jose Catholic Church in Los Ojos, NM. Interment took place following mass at the Ensenada Cemetery. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited