Mariano Rivera

Mariano (Monty) Tapia Rivera, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

Mariano was born in Cerillos, NM and the small home in which he lived was donated to the church which now stands.  He later moved to Madrid NM with his family where he met Alice Peinado, his wife of 63 years. After graduation Mariano served the United States Air Force for almost 30 years before retiring.  He began as a-radio operator and retired as Chief Master Sergeant in stellar communications, United States Air Force.  He observed the computer age change drastically through the years and flexed with it.

After retirement in 1975, he became a wood carver and made the ever popular Coyote by Monty as well other carvings but would never sell them. Monty’s life was one of service and generosity. He volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul society for over 30 years, achieved many awards both in St. Vincent de Paul and the VITA program.  He was a member of Our Lady the Assumption Catholic Church where he faithfully served his God, his family, his country, and his community both in the US as well as abroad.

Mariano is survived by his sons, Chris Rivera and wife Maria, Tommy Rivera and wife Mary and his daughter, Deborah Wilkins and husband Martin; Four grandchildren, Leah Scott, Tyler Rivera, Nicole Calderon and Angela Clark; Two great grandchildren, Candice Carrasco and Alexandra Ortega, and four great-great grandchildren, Isaiah, Aliyah and Ariella Carrasco and Josiah Ortega and Breezy.  Mariano was preceded in death by his precious wife, Alice; parents, Salomon and Jesusita Rivera; his daughters, Yvonne and Leah Michelle; and his grandson, Alex Gutierrez.

He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Friends may visit Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas

Rosary will be recited Friday, April 30, 2021, 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Lomas and Tennessee.  Burial will be in Santa Fe National Cemetery.