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Robert Rivera Obituary
September 13, 1955 -
July 18, 2025
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and
Great-Grandfather
Robert Lawrence Rivera, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday July 18, 2025, at the age of 69.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Robert was known for his big smile, infectious sense of humor, generous heart, and his unwavering love for his family. A passionate sports fan, Robert was a diehard fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Dodgers, never missing a chance to watch his teams play.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Edubigen Rivera; his mother, Emma Rivera; his brothers, Joseph Rivera and Rudy Rivera; his sister, Rose Marie Rivera; and his stepson, Michael Cabrera.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Yolanda Jane Rivera; his children: Robert E. Rivera and wife Crystal, Emily Rivera, Benjamin Rivera and wife Rebecca; grandchildren: Isabella Gutierrez and husband Eric, Julia Rivera, Robert Q. Rivera, Santiago Serna, and Estrella Bowyer and husband Nikili, Jasmine Rivera, Benjamin Rivera; and great-granddaughter Bessie Rose Bowyer; his siblings Vicky Rivera-Goin and husband Dan, Edwin "Sunny" Rivera, Tim Rivera and wife Jennifer, Peter Rivera and wife Magdelna.
Robert also leaves behind his stepchildren: Steven Cabrera, LeslieAnn Lynch and husband Leo, and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sunshine Lynch, Chasity Gross and husband Dillon, Melodie Lynch, Erin Lynch, Leticia Cabrera, Gregory Cabrera, Arianna Cabrera, Micheal Cabrera, Nicholas Cabrera, and great-grandchildren Bentlei, Rylee, and McKinley Gross, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Robert met the love of his life, Yolanda, while living in Los Angeles, California. Their connection was immediate, and after spending several happy years together on the West Coast, they returned to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they married and began building a life rooted in love, family, and faith. Their love and partnership endured for five decades, a bond that served as the heart of the family.
Robert's legacy lives on in the laughter, love, and values he instilled in his family.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robert had a way of tying everything back to sports and numbers.
Before he passed, he reflected on life through the lens of football. He said professional NFL games have four 15-minute quarters, just like stages of life, and he was proud to say he played all four quarters and even made it into overtime.
Robert will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A service celebrating the life of Robert will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, located at 5712 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10:15 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Rivera
4 Entries
Martin Quintana
August 12, 2025
I went to Sacred Heart Elementary with Robert. Every day going to school, Robert would stop by Allen Jaramillo's house near Stover, then both would come to my house on 8th & Iron and the three of us would walk to Sacred Heart. We shared, we laughed, we lamented the pains of Catholic school but every day was a day for us to have fun!!
Martin
July 31, 2025
I recall my younger day, cruising with Bob in his Red Ford Thunder Bird. Many days and many nights of cruising. When the car stopped it would bounce up and down, because the shocks and spring were old. I am sorry for your lost for such a kind person and my friend.
Yvonne Noriega
July 28, 2025
My condolences to the Rivera Family from the Noriega Family.
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