Christopher Francisco Rivera

Christopher Francisco Rivera was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 4, 1978, and was the first child born to Francisco (Frank) Enrique Rivera and Paula Mae (Rivera) Somaduroff. He passed away the night of June 10, 2025.

Chris attended Helen J. Stewart School where he learned independant living and vocational skills. He transitioned from school to a day program at Progressive Choices where he perfected his vocational training. His favorite task was recreating decks of playing cards by sorting the cards by suit and placing the suits in numerical order. His job coaches boasts that Chris holds the record of most decks completed in a short time frame.

Chris enjoyed recreational bowling and loved to compete in the annual Special Olympics bowling tournament. He also loved to dance and enjoyed socializing with his peers at dance parties.

Chris was a quiet, gentle soul who loved his family and friends unconditionally. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Jose and Maria Rivera; maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Priscilla Chia; and his father, Frank. He is survived by his mother, Paula; brother, Tim (Lesley); nephews, Ryker and Slade; niece, Lucy; uncle, Jose (Emily) Rivera; cousins, Ariana and Brad; uncle, Alex (Maria) Rivera; cousins, Sara and Norman; and a very large extended family.

The family would like to thank the employees of New Vista Ranch and Progressive Choices for continuously encouraging Chris to reach his highest potential and to live a happy and full life. You were a huge impact in his life.

Interment is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following non-profits or to the charity of your choice.

New Vista Ranch, Inc. (newvistanv.org)

Progressive Choices, Inc. (progressivechoices.org)

Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (dsosn.org)