Roland Jay Rivera

Roland Jay Rivera, aged 75, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born in Terrero, New Mexico, he was the son of John Carnie Rivera and Alicia Roybal Rivera. A proud graduate of Pecos High School, Class of 1969, Roland served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1972 to 1975. He furthered his education by earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of New Mexico in 1982, and he enjoyed a fulfilling career as an Information Technology Professional.

Roland was preceded in death by his grandfather, Encarnacion Rivera; grandmother, Ignacita Rivera; father, John Carnie Rivera; brother, Albert Rivera Jr.; and mother, Alicia Roybal Rivera.

He is survived by his devoted mother, Lee Neille Rivera of Terrero, New Mexico; his sister and brother-in-law, Sarada and Damian Gutierrez of Tijeras, New Mexico; brother and sisters-in-law, Monte and Melody Rivera of Pecos, New Mexico; brother, John Rivera Jr. of Terrero, New Mexico; sister, Chanda Rivera of Seattle, Washington; son, DJ Rivera of Rustburg, Virginia; son and daughter-in-law, Donovan and Erica Rivera of Albuquerque, New Mexico, son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Noel Roones of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Yvonne Rivera of Albuquerque, New Mexico; son, Rolande Rivera of New Orleans, Louisiana; and daughter, Monique Rivera of Denver, Colorado. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren: Donovan Rivera Jr., Dominique Rivera, Dovian Rivera, Estrella Trujillo, Dakota Rivera, John Wyatt Rivera, Trenton Roones, Seth Roones, Ariella Roones, Alyssa Kneip, Myla Rivera and Azariah James.

Services to honor Roland's life will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Daniels Family Funeral Services – Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Roland will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.

Roland Jay Rivera will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his commitment to his country, and his contributions to the field of information technology. He leaves behind a legacy of strength and dedication that will continue to inspire all who knew him.