Francisco Rivera

Francisco "Frank/Paquito" Rivera, age 68, passed away December 21, 2019.  He was born November 12, 1951 to Francisco Rivera and Iris Aida Menees, in New York City, NY.  He graduated from Aviation High School in Queens, NY in 1969.  He then served in the United States Air Force for 21 years, retiring rank TSGT.  He married the love of his life, Helen Bennett, on January 2, 1972.  They were married 48 years.  He was employed by Intel for 18 years and Sandoval County Corrections for 3 years.  In addition to the love he possessed for his family, Frank loved Kung Fu/Martial Arts  (Hung Gar of the Tang Fong lineage, From Lao Ke Tong - Shakespeare Chan), thrift shopping and books. He was a member of the American Legion Post 118.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francisco Rivera; grandfather, Ventura Rios; and grandmother, Vicenta Rios.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Rivera; son, Christopher Rivera; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Claudia Rivera; daughter and son-in-law, Alicia and Paul Tanner; and mother, Iris Menees, of Virginia; grandchildren, Christopher Rivera, Jr. and wife, Megan, Frank Santana, Alyssa Rivera, Alexa Rivera, Lola Tanner, Maile Tanner, Alea Rivera; great-grandchildren, Declan Rivera, Aston Rivera; sister and brother-in-law, Christiane and William Maldonado; brother, Ventura Rivera-Rios; brother and sister-in-law Jorge and Dana Hernandez; aunt, Dalila Rios-Rodriguez; his dog, Low-Key; and extended Family and Friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 11, 2020, Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.  Military Honors will take place at 11:00 AM.  

Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Taylor Ranch Community Center, 4900 Kachina St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:  gofundme.com/f/help-francisco-rivers-sifu-funeral-expenses