Christian Rivera

He was born on November 28, 1941 and raised in San Jose, New Mexico.

He attended Robertson high school in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Christian was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

As a young adult Christian joined the U.S. Navy where he served his country proudly for 4 years. He relocated to Southern California, married the love of his life, Rebecca, had four children and four beautiful grandchildren. On September 24, 2023 he and his wife celebrated 57 years of marriage.

After his service in the Navy, he worked as a skilled machinist and owned and operated his own machine shop, Chris' Metal Products, which he fondly referred to as “ACRO” (A Chris Rivera Operation).

He enjoyed working with his hands, building things, fishing, gardening, walking, and trips to the casino. He had an enormous sweet tooth and it was not uncommon to find him sneaking a dessert before dinner.

He believed in family first with words of wisdom and encouragement for all. He had an amazing sense of humor, loved to laugh and make others laugh; many times bursting out in uncontrollable laughter before finishing his story or getting to the punchline of a joke. Always on the go, he was ready to jump in the car especially if headed to Costco or Home Depot. He enjoyed family backyard BBQs and vacations, summer trips to New Mexico, and late night phone calls with relatives. His love for his family was endless, and the memories made will always be cherished and remembered.

Christian will be deeply and immensely missed by his surviving family members. He is survived by his loving wife Rebecca Rivera; their children Natalie Rivera, Renee Albiar, Christian Rivera, and Sarah Bustos; their grandchildren Ariana Martin del Campo, Francisco Bustos, Rocky Bustos, and Sophia Bustos; his sisters Aurora Flores, Gloria Vigil, Grace Rivera, Rose Garcia and brother, Frank Rivera. He was preceded in death by his father Meliton Rivera, his mother Lucille Segura Rivera and his siblings Elias Rivera, Timmy Rivera, Estefana Flores and Rudy Rivera.

A memorial service to honor Christian’s life will be held on October 16, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel in Chino, CA. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on October 17, 2023 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Chino, CA with interment to follow at 1:00 PM at the Riverside National Cemetery.

Pallbearers are his son Christian Rivera, son-in-law Jerry Albiar, grandsons Franky and Rocky Bustos, brother Frank Rivera, and nephew Bryan Padilla.

Family and friends are invited to attend services and pay their respects.