Leopoldo Rivera

Leopoldo Rivera, 91, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. He was born on September 25, 1920 in La Java, New Mexico to Saturnine & Manuelita (Santesteban) Rivera. He married Josephine Sena January 23, 1970; she preceded him in death on June 28, 2003.

Leopoldo grew up and attended schools in New Mexico. He served in the Army during WWII. He has lived in the Rocky Ford area since 1947 when he started working for the Pueblo Army Depot where he retired in 1979 after 32 years. He also was a member of the St. Pater’s Catholic Church in Rocky Ford.

He is survived by his brother, Fred Rivera of La Junta; sisters, Mary Martinez & Cindy Madrano both of Rocky Ford; special nieces & nephews, Felix Rivera, Patty Gallegos, and Tom Martinez and other nieces and nephews also survive. 

Leopoldo was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 3 brothers, Arturo, Richard Nasirio, and John Rivera; sister, Angelina Rivera-Gallegos; and nephew, Roger Rivera.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Saturday, December 17, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta.  A Memorial Mass will be Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford with Father Paul Ekeh officiating.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Pioneer Healthcare Center, his extended family.