Sol Rivera

Solomon Anthony Rivera of Espanola, New Mexico, passed away at the age of 65 on December 16, 2025. 

Sol was born on April 19, 1960, to the late Vicenta and Ben Rivera in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is survived by his son, Ben (Hailey); grandchildren, Thomas and Mikayla; brother, Eric (Julie); step-nieces, Moorea and Ava; aunts, Lorraine (W.T.) Baker, Bernie Montoya, Rose Martinez, and Clara Maestas; uncle, John (Michelle) Atencio; a large number of cherished extended family members including Willie and Glorianna Atencio, Jose (Alicia) Atencio, Chris (Marcella) Atencio, and Olga Garcia; his many, many friends, especially Geni Roberts; and his German Shepherd “nieces,” Luci and Lola. 

Sol's career took him on a remarkable journey, beginning as a limousine driver in Los Angeles before moving to the film industry in craft services and eventually becoming a driver for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in New Mexico, working with Netflix, Warner Brothers, and many other studios. His distinguished career gave him a plethora of stories that he loved to share with everyone who would listen. 

Known for his vivacious character and limitless wit, Sol had a magnetic personality and the gift of being able to enthrall whomever he was speaking to with his storytelling ability. His intelligence manifested itself through the unique way he saw the world and the thought-provoking questions he would ask of those around him. Sol never hesitated to assist anyone who needed it and was always the first to ask what he could do to help others. 

In his later years, Sol remained as curious and engaged as ever, eagerly pursuing his passions through research and reading, especially on the topics of health and politics. His love of learning was a life-long endeavor that truly defined the type of man he was in life – inquisitive, thoughtful, and reflective. To his core, Sol was authentic and genuine. He was extremely proud of his brother, son, and grandchildren, reflecting fondly on their memories together often. 

As we remember Sol, we honor a life well-lived, marked by extraordinary tales, cherished relationships, and a profound impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. 

As a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Sol’s services will be held at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada in Santa Cruz, NM. A rosary will be recited on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM followed by the funeral mass celebrating Sol’s life at 11:00 AM