Joe Federico "Grumpy" Rivera

Joe Federico "Grumpy" Rivera went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, November 8, 2022

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Louise Rivera.

Joe is survived by his daughters: Eileen (Bobby Martinez), Annette (Dennis Carrillo); grandchildren: Vanessa (Nick Warin), Victoria (Zane Brown), Vincent Martinez, Alyssa (Andrew Simon), Chris Carrillo; stepchildren: Frank Salazar (Marilyn), Tom Salazar (Priscilla) and Lucille Anaya (Louie). 

Joe’s early years were spent outdoors enjoying bicycling, swimming, hunting and fishing. He was a self proclaimed pool-shark. He never failed to hit the gym (Tom Young’s and European Health Spa) after work. He was a true gym-rat! Joe worked with horse trainers/owners and travelled to many race tracks (Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico) tending to the race horses as a jockey valet.  Joe eventually bought  his own semi truck and worked as a sole proprietor for many years. Later he worked for Albuquerque Gravel Products and Navajo Trucking. He worked for 30 + years for Yellow Freight Systems and retired from there in 2004, acquiring many awards (outstanding safety and miles accumulated). He was admired by many for being an amazing bowler.  He travelled to many NABI championships and won several tournaments. He bowled many “299’s” and consistently carried a 700 plus series. 

Joe loved watching “The Cowboys” and cartoons (even BEFORE grandkids came along) He loved TO laugh and he loved to MAKE people laugh. He had such an infectious laugh!  He was a life-long jokester and prankster (Louise speaking)….”Joe go jump in the lake” to her horror he DID just that! He was “the life of the party”.  He cracked jokes and made us laugh even days before his passing. One of Joe’s most loved roles was that of being a grandpa! He loved and cherished his grandchildren. Joe was characterized by his generosity.  He never let someone in need, stay in need. In his latter years he devoted ALL of his time and energy to caring for his wife, Louise. His devotion to her, as a caregiver, was something to be admired. Most importantly, Joe committed his life to his Lord and Savior in the early 80’s and became a new creation in Christ. 

Joe’s life celebration will be held on Friday November 18, 2022 at 12:00pm at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St. SW, 87102 with a graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Vanessa Warin, Victoria Brown, Vincent Martinez, Alyssa Simon and Chris Carrillo.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Federico "Grumpy" Rivera, please visit our floral store.