JOSE "MIKE" RIVERA, a resident of Ribera, NM and member of San Miguel del Vado Catholic Church passed on July 2, 2021. He was born in Ribera, NM on March 7, 1951, to the late Indalecio Rivera and Domatilia "Tillie" Tapia. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Lucero Rivera, his father, Grandmother Viviana Tapia, siblings: Eddie Rivera and Selina Benavidez and nephew Johnny Griego, in-laws: Margaret Rivera, Geneva Rivera, Juan Lucero, Joe I. Lucero, Jenny Lucero, Helen Archuleta, Dan Archuleta, Virginia Bazan, Inez Lucero and Sandra Lucero.

Mike is survived by his mother, Tillie Rivera, and his children: son, Ray Lucero, daughter, Lorella Gonzales (Curtis), and daughter Barbara Rivera (Randy Molisee). Grandchildren: Donaciano "Nano" Lucero, Helenea, Mikayla and Laila Gonzales, and Yvonne and Dylan Molisee. Siblings: Pete Rivera, Damacio "Danny" Rivera, Mark Rivera (Lorella), Andy Rivera (Julia), Frances Griego (Art) and Richard Rivera (Angelica). In-laws: Simon Benavidez, Raffie Lucero, Donaciano "Chano" Lucero, Salomon "Sal" Lucero and Minnie Rivera. He is also survived by numerous special nieces and nephews in both the Rivera and Lucero families.

Mike entered the workforce at the age of 15, where he started in construction and then moved on as a truck driver. At the age of 21, he was united in marriage to Dolores L. Lucero on October 30, 1971. Together, they resided in Ribera and then moved to California in 1972. During his time in California, he managed multiple rental properties and two liquor stores in Oceanside and Escondido, CA. After several years in California, he began missing his family in Ribera and moved back to New Mexico in 1984 to raise his children.  He wanted his children to be raised with the same values he grew up with and knew that they would gain this through the nurturing and love they would experience in Ribera. He joined his brothers in the trucking business and drove through the late 80's. In 1989, the Rivera brothers established themselves as "Los Rivera's Landscaping" and were some of Santa Fe's first vendors at the "Y" off Old Las Vegas Highway. Los Rivera's Landscaping had many clients, but it was through Mike's "gift" of negotiation and hard bargaining skills that enabled them to get the best deals and sales possible. Mike also supported his community in many ways. He served as a member of the Ribera Water Association and as a mayordamo for many years at San Miguel del Vado Parish along with his wife-Dolores, Jerry and Judy Vigil. He was very instrumental with annual fundraising for the church fiestas and implemented today's traditional chicharron burrito booth. For the past 12 years of his life, Mike had been enjoying retirement. Although he was a hard worker, he made time to enjoy his family and friends. He liked to be surrounded by people and make conversation whether it be with a family member, friend, or a stranger, who later became a friend. He was never afraid to say what he wanted and made no apologies.  Together with his wife, they enjoyed going to mass, traveling, gambling, camping, watching movies, serving the church as mayordomos, and bar-b-queuing with family and friends outside on the porch.

All Services will be held at San Miguel del Vado Catholic Church in San Miguel, NM. Viewing will be Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 6:00 PM with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary to follow at 7:00 PM.  The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, July 9, 2021, at 12:00 PM with Father Moses Nwankwo.Interment will follow at San Miguel Cemetery in San Miguel, NM with the following as Pallbearers Doniciano Lucero, Carlos Lucero, Bobby Archuleta, Tommy Lucero, Randy Rivera, Mark Rivera, Augustine Rivera and Christopher Rivera. Honorary Bearers will be Benedict Gonzales, Jerry Vigil, Randy Molisee, Dylan Molisee and Mikey Gonzales.

Arrangements are entrusted to: Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701 1-800-479-3511 or 1-505-425-3511.