David L. Rivera
( December 25, 1935 – January 4, 2024 )
David Leroy Rivera of Raton New Mexico passed away peacefully with family on January 4, 2024, at the age of 88 from complications of dementia and old age. Dave, or Leroy as he was known in his early years, was born December 25, 1935, to John C. Rivera and Mary Theresa Garcia in Clayton, New Mexico.
After graduating from Raton High School in 1954, Dave went to the University of New Mexico on a chemistry scholarship. He built his career as a chemist for Alza corporation in Palo Alto, California doing research in drug delivery systems. Dave was an expert in plastics engineering receiving patents and other awards in his field.
In 1963 Dave met and married Jean Hughes of Honeyville, Utah. They raised three children together; Tammy, Jeff, and Toni in San Jose, California. Dave retired in 1994. He built a new home for his family in the Sierra Mountains of California. He enjoyed tinkering, golfing, traveling, snow skiing, hiking, camping and fishing. He returned to Raton in 2014.
Dave was preceded in death by his brother Levi, his parents, his wife Jean, a grandson named after him, and two sisters; Patricia Yardley and Susie Apodaca.
Dave is survived by his sister Mary Lou Quakenbush, daughters Tammy Foley and Toni Rivera, and son Jeff Rivera, grandchildren; Amber Ashford, Melisa Christensen, Chris and Ryan Foley, Alex Rivera, and Justin and Tabitha Huntley.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2136 La Mesa Dr., Raton, NM 87740.
Dave will be laid to rest at Fairmont Cemetery on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 11 am.
Arrangements for David L. Rivera are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
