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RIVERA, GUADALUPE REVEREND FR. Our beloved brother, uncle, friend, and Shepherd to many people, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 22, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents Teofilo and Estanislada Rivera; brothers Manuel, George, and Ted Rivera; sisters Margaret Rivera, Barbara Dostalik, Julia Silva, and Sadie Padilla; and two nephews and one niece. Those left behind to cherish his memories are his sisters Jenny Romero and Marguerite Geissler (Henry); 34 nieces and nephews; and Florence Quintana, relative, friend and neighbor who, together with her mother, graciously and generously allowed Fr. Rivera to build his house upon their property. Since his retirement, Fr. Rivera was grateful and thankful for the love, care, and support given by Florence. Fr. Rivera was born on February 28, 1920 and raised in Sile, New Mexico. He was ordained on June 4, 1949, following studies at Lourdes School in Albuquerque and St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado. His career as a priest has been devoted to the northern part of New Mexico. His first assignment as a priest was June 27, 1949 as Parochial Vicar Protem at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. On October 22, 1949, he was appointed Parochial Vicar at the same parish. On May 1, 1950, he was appointed Administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Sapello and served until February 28, 1951, when he was appointed Administrator of St. Anthony's Church in Penasco. On January 1, 1954, he was appointed Pastor of the Parish, which he served until March 17, 1958, at which time he was appointed Pastor of San Juan Nepomuceno Church in El Rito. That assignment lasted until May 5, 1961, when he was assigned Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Nambe. In 1966, Archbishop James Peter Davis assigned him Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Pojoaque. While there, he was instrumental in building the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, rectory, and the youth and CCD centers in the Parish. In May 16, 1972, he was honored with appointment as Pastor of St. Anne Parish in Santa Fe. He was thrilled and honored to have served this Parish until his retirement. On January 17, 1992, permission was granted to retire by Archbishop Robert F. Sanchez and the Personnel Board from the Pastorship of St. Anne Parish, effective May 15, 1992. Other assignments were Archdiocesan Consultor in August of 1974 for three years. In September 1, 1977, he was reappointed Archdiocesan Consultor to a one year term. In December of 1989, he was appointed as a member to the Archdiocesan Personnel Board. Since his retirement, he had been blessed with good health and a very joyful and happy retirement. Occasionally, he assisted some of the pastors in the Archdiocese. He also enjoyed playing cards (CunCan), eating out with family and friends, reading, listening to music, and "visiting" the casinos. He will always be grateful and thankful for the love and support given to him by the Archbishops, Priests, Deacons, Sisters, Brothers, and the People of God. The challenges were many and the tasks not easy but working together and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, his vocation as a priest was very fulfilling and a BLESSING. The family wishes to thank Annabelle Silva, Florence Quintana, and Orlinda Torres for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Father on a daily basis and caregivers Teresa Griego and Diane C. Perkins, for the tenderness and companionship provided this past year. A rosary will be held Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., with public visitation beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne Parish. A public visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. (on his birthday) where a Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Following the Mass, Fr. Rivera will be taken to his final resting place at Rosario Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Fr. Guadalupe Rivera Parish Hall at St. Anne Parish. Serving as Pallbearers are: Frank Silva, George Rivera, Jr., Ted Rivera, III., David Romero, Charlie Padilla, and Patrick Geissler. Honorary Pallbearer is Gilbert Silva. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne Church, 511 Alicia St., Santa Fe, NM 87501. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 984-8600 Please sign our guestbook for the family at: www.berardinellifuneralhome.com
        Published on: Thu February 27, 2014