Alfredo Rivera Cabral

Alfredo Rivera Cabral

Devoted father and brother, professional photographer, senior Olympian, veteran, pilot, and friend to all in need, Al Cabral died at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, at the age of 91.

Alfredo Rivera Cabral was born in Stanton, CA, on February 11, 1934, to Petra and John (Juan) Cabral. As the second oldest, he and his brothers and sisters would grow up supporting the family as migrant farmworkers, picking fruits, vegetables, and even cotton from Anaheim to Modesto. Having dreams of flying planes and a college education, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. Although he had learned to fly small, single-propeller airplanes before enlisting, the Air Force trained him to be a radio technician instead. He was stationed in Giebelstadt, Germany, which became a formative time in his life, as he learned to appreciate the wonderful culture of nearby Wurzburg and built friendships that would last a lifetime. After being honorably discharged in 1962, he discovered photography and began a 37-year career that spanned the Roswell Daily Record, the Albuquerque Tribune where he became their Chief Photographer, the Farmington Daily Times, and the Los Alamos Monitor. During his career, he would take home countless awards, meet actors and presidents, and skillfully document the everyday lives of the people of New Mexico. After retirement, Al looked for ways to stay active and travel. He accomplished both by working for American Airlines and competing in the Senior Olympic Games. The latter took him to the 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand, and the 2023 Asian Pacific Masters Games in South Korea, where he earned gold medals in javelin and discus.

Al leveraged his strength, his sharp eye, and unflinching courage to lead an amazing life. He was inventive and curious, patient and kind, always available, and always willing to share in someone's joy or help load a moving truck because he was really good at it. The story he would tell, however, would be about his children, his pride and joy.

He is survived by his daughter, Anne Elizabeth; his son, Aaron Alfredo; his grandsons James Francis and Eric Stephen; his brother Manuel; his sisters Hortencia, Margaret Esther, and Alice; and many beloved family and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held January 26, 2026 at 5:00PM at Daniels Carlisle location. For more information on ceremony and burial please visit

www.danielsfuneral.com.