Olivar "Oliver" Maximilano Rivera

Oliver Rivera (1936-2025)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivar (Oliver) Maximiliano Rivera, 89 years old, from Nambe, NM and most recently Pojoaque, NM.

He was born in Nambe, NM on June 16/17, 1936 and is preceded in death by his parents, Sostenes and Bernie Rivera and his beloved brother Johnny Rivera. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Oliver is survived by his wife of 66 years, AnnaBelle, children: Mark, Michelle (Mitch), Melvin, Melissa (Alex) and step-son, Leon Lopez (Soledad). Grandchildren: Leondro (Stephanie), Marcos (Yvette), Ari and Skyler Meldrum, Joseph Griego, Rachel and Andrea Rivera and Leon Keith Lopez. Great Grandchildren: Aubrey, Trevor and Julia Rivera, and Talia Lopez.

He is also survived by brothers: Ray (Evelyn), Arcy (Rosella), sisters: Margie (Rudy) Roybal and Bertha (Leo) Gallegos. Sister-in-law: MaryAnn Rivera. Brother in laws: Clark Kesler and Kelly Lopez. Many loved nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Oliver loved his family deeply, the Nambe valley, history, genealogy, building, wood working (he was a member of the “Escuelita society of Santeros”), jewelry making, painting, ranching, gardening and solving problems. Professionally he began his career with GM in California in the auto industry, he then returned back to NM and became a policeman for the City of Santa Fe briefly and finally became an electrical technician for the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 30+ years. Once retired, he and AnnaBelle traveled around the US/Canada, with AnnaBelle’s sister Olivia and brother-in-law, Clark Kesler. He designed, built and lived in his Nambe home for 45 years. In 2010, he and AnnaBelle moved to Pojoaque to a home he designed and built as their final retirement home with wide halls and handicap access where he planned to live until his last breath.

His Rosary will be held Monday, January 5, 2026 at 9am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 192 NM-503, Nambe, NM. His Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10am at the same church with burial to follow at the Pojoaque Valley Catholic Cemetery.

Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations has been entrusted with arrangements.

Riverafamilyfuneralhome.com