Dennis Phillip Rivera

Dennis Phillip Rivera, known to many as Phil or Phillip, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Albuquerque on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 67.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Mayna Helen Rivera and Alfonso Jose Rivera of Santa Fe.

He was extremely proud of his three children and is survived by his son Joshua P. Rivera, daughters: Mayna A. Rivera and Mackenzie W. Rivera. He was the second youngest of five children and is survived by his siblings: Charlene Rivera (Charles Stansfield) of Rockville, MD, Mary Anne Mireles, of San Antonio, TX, Michael Rivera, of Whistler, BC, Canada, and Chris Rivera (Sally Halela), of Seattle, WA, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico in on September 16, 1958. Phil graduated from Eldorado High School in 1976 and earned his Economics degree from the University of New Mexico in 1981. He spent his career in sales, first managing multiple Safeway grocery stores, then working for global food companies including Coca-Cola and General Mills. Phil was most successful in his roles as a pharmaceutical representative and was one of the national sales leaders for Dompe Global Biopharm Company.

Phil was smart, welcoming, social, hardworking, and family-oriented. He loved skiing in Taos, mountain biking in the Sandia foothills, cheering on the UNM Lobos, and cooking New Mexican food. He loved to travel, took pride in his home, and remained passionate about his UNM fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta.

He was a wonderful father, brother, uncle, and friend to dozens of us.

A celebration of life will be held this summer, details are to be announced.

In honor of Phil, donations may be made to the Adaptive Sports Program of New Mexico in support of handicap mountain sports.