Rivera, Jose J. "Jerry"

Jose J. "Jerry" Rivera, 79, peacefully passed away April 17, 2017, after a long illness.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Olivia; his son, Gary Rivera and wife, Kate of Albuquerque; his siblings, Tina Gallegos and husband, Felix, of Chama, Prax Rivera and wife, Patsy, of Los Ojos, Joe Rivera and wife, Jill, of Jeffers, Minnesota; and many other family and friends.

Mr. Rivera was preceded in death by his parents, Jeronimo and Maria Luisa Rivera and his sister, Mary Louise Rivera. Born in Los Ojos, he graduated from Tierra Amarilla High School and then served honorably in the United States Navy. Soon after returning from the Navy, he attended Ventura College in California and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Industrial Arts from the University of New Mexico. Within his 25 year career as a teacher, he taught wood working, drafting, career exploration, special education, and he coached varsity tennis teams at West Mesa and Highland High School.

Jerry enjoyed his retirement years, appreciating nature, camping, hiking, reading, woodworking, watching his favorite sports on TV, and traveling throughout New Mexico with his beloved dogs.

A Memorial Rosary will be recited Thursday, May 11, 2017, 10:15 a.m. with a Memorial Mass following at 11:00 a.m. at John XXIII Catholic Church, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Burial will be Friday, May 12, 2017, 11:15 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Humane Society of New Mexico, 615 Virginia St SE, Albuquerque. Please visit our online guest book for Jerry Rivera at

www.frenchfunerals.com