Dennis Phillip Rivera

Dennis Phillip Rivera, known to many as Phil or Phillip, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Albuquerque on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 67.

Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on September 16, 1958, Phil was the second youngest of five children. He graduated from Eldorado High School in 1976 and earned his degree in Economics from the University of New Mexico in 1981. He built a successful career in sales, managing multiple Safeway grocery stores before joining global food companies such as Coca-Cola and General Mills. He later thrived as a pharmaceutical representative and became one of the national sales leaders for Dompe Global Biopharm Company.

Phil was smart, welcoming, social, hardworking, and deeply family-oriented. He loved skiing in Taos, mountain biking in the Sandia foothills, cheering on the UNM Lobos, and cooking New Mexican food. He enjoyed traveling, took great pride in his home, and remained passionate about his UNM fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mayna Helen Rivera and Alfonso Jose Rivera of Santa Fe. He is survived by his three children, of whom he was extremely proud: son Joshua P. Rivera and daughters Mayna A. Rivera and Mackenzie W. Rivera. He is also survived by his siblings Charlene Rivera (Charles Stansfield) of Rockville, Maryland, Mary Anne Mireles of San Antonio, Texas, Michael Rivera of Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, and Chris Rivera (Sally Halela) of Seattle, Washington, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Phil was a wonderful father, brother, uncle, and friend to many.