Efraim Rivera

Efraim Rivera , 71, beloved husband, father, papa, brother, friend, and mentor passed away on September 28, 2021.

Efraim was born on January, 31, 1950 in Manhattan, New York to Basilio and Carmen Rivera where he was the third of six children, growing up in and around the church. Efraim entered the army in 1967 and was a proud Vietnam veteran receiving multiple commendations as well as the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievements in the line of duty. He was honorably discharged in 1970 and entered the Control Data Computer Training School where he received a certification in computer technology. This led him into a 35 year career with United Airlines which allowed him to relocate and settle down in Aurora, Colorado.

Along this journey, Efraim reconnected with the love of his life, Ruth, and the pair married soon after on September 8, 1983. Together they raised four sons and filled their time with camping, sports, and family trips. Some of his favorite places to visit were Hawaii, the warf in San Francisco where Ruth enjoyed her favorite seafood, Australia, London, Rome, and Hong Kong. In every step of their life together, Efraim went out of his way to ensure Ruth and their sons were loved, mentored, and encouraged. He worked hard to give them opportunities he was not afforded growing up.

After raising their sons, and building his IT career, Efraim entered the Community College of Aurora in 1995 where he received his Associate of Applied Science Management degree at the age of 47. Once retired, he became best known as Papa to seven beautiful grandchildren. They were the light of his life and always kept him on his toes, but most importantly continued to fill his home with love.

Efraim was a kind, loving, optimistic man who lived a life of honor and gratitude. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. His smile, smirk and laugh are engrained in our minds and we know he will continue to watch over us.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Rivera, four sons: Daniel (Jennifer) Santiago, Steve (Jamie), Nick (Kara) and Chris (Taryn) Rivera, mother in law, Margarita Maldonado, siblings: Eddie Rivera, Ruthie (Lionel) Sanchez, and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren: Chase, Calin, Rylan, Mac, Vaughn, Eagan, and Natalie Rivera, and Eugene and Niall McLaughlin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Basilio and Carmen Rivera, sisters: Sarah Ramos, Anna Molina, and Nancy Torres.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 25th  at 10:00 at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 E Dartmouth Ave, Aurora, CO 80014 Following the service, a committal service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 12:00 PM, FLNC staging '"A".

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Efraim to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ( secure.nationalmssociety.org ) or the Salvation Army ( give.salvationarmyusa.org ).

If you are unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed: https://bxcited.com/efraim-rivera/

Please share memories of Efraim and condolences with his family by signing the Tribute Wall above.