Frank Rivera

1929 - 2025

Frank Rivera, 96, passed away on November 27, 2025, at his home in Los Lunas, NM.

Frank was born on April 28, 1929, in Idalou, TX, to Juan Rivera and Senovia Apodaca. As an only child, he was stubborn, independent, and proud. He married his beloved wife, Maria Celina "Sally" Rivera on August 30, 1947, in Tucumcari, NM. After beginning their lives together in Albuquerque and then settling in Tome, NM, Frank and Sally were proud of their heritage and the promise of the legacy they built together.

A dedicated man, Frank worked in construction from the age of 18. He was involved in several major construction projects in the Texas pan handle. As a member of the Tome Catholic Church, Frank served as a construction consultant on the first addition to the parish hall. Later in his career, he founded Frank's Concrete, Inc., with his son, John, and they poured foundations together in Albuquerque and Los Lunas. His business expanded into home building in Valencia County until his retirement in 1998.

Frank's first passion was his family, and he experienced no greater pride than in those moments where his family succeeded. He was incredibly proud of his children, even when their mischief and missteps would make him shake his head with laughter. He cheered his daughter on in her academic pursuits, loved to watch his sons show horses during high school, and when he became a grandfather, he enjoyed going to state and county fairs to watch his grandchildren show livestock. He was a fan of each of his grandchildren's endeavors, whether it involved sports, agriculture, art, education, or business.

For over twenty years, Frank ran horses, frequenting the downs at Sunland, Ruidoso, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and even racetracks in California. He was successful on the racetrack, and was overjoyed in 1996 when his stallion, Roll Into Mischief, won the world championship.

After raising his family and retiring from a successful business, Frank took up painting and woodcarving, often giving gifts of portraits, landscapes, and hand-carved retablos to family and friends. He was passionate about his heritage and the historical connection between New Mexico and Spain, frequently bringing out primary documents, maps, and photographs to share with anyone who showed an interest.

In his later years, Frank continued to embrace a simple life. He enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends, observing family traditions, and sharing stories from years past.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, only daughter, Connie Salas (Ysidro) of Silver City, and his loving wife, Sally. He is survived by his sons, Frank Rivera (Cristina) of Las Cruces, John Rivera (Becky) of Los Lunas, and Daniel Rivera (Beth) of Hope, Arkansas. He also leaves behind four granddaughters (Selena, Felicia, Danieli, and Celina), five grandsons (TJ, Jace, Cisco, John, and Andrew), and nine great-grandchildren.

A visitation will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Romero Funeral Home in Belen, NM, followed by a rosary at 2:00 p.m.

Please sign Frank's online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.