Ryan Josiah Rivera

Ryan Josiah Rivera, resident of Espanola, NM, suddenly passed at the young age of 18 from a tragic accident on May 22, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his great grandparents Lorraine Hernandez and Samuel Griego, aunt Gerladine Griego and uncle Ronnie.

Ryan was born in Santa Fe on January 25, 2007. As a child, Ryan was shy and incredibly kind. As Ryan grew, he became more outgoing but remained just as kind as when he was a child. The respectful young man he became was friendly and got along with everyone. Above all, Ryan deeply loved his family and friends. His love was demonstrated through his generosity and protection. He was active in the lives of the children in his family. He will always be remembered playing with them and encouraging them to try new things.

Ryan’s love for life was exemplified in his love for sports. As an athlete, he enjoyed playing basketball and played since elementary school. He also played football his freshman year of high school. His other interests included playing video games, often online with his friends and brothers. Always one to embrace new experiences, he also enjoyed going on cruises with his family. He was a Carnival Cruise gold member and visited several places. He got to kiss a stingray in the Cayman Islands and held a sloth in Honduras. Ryan truly impacted all those who crossed his path, even making friends at sea through his love of basketball.

Ryan completed high school at EVHS in the 2025 graduating class. This was an accomplishment he was excited for, as was his family. He obtained his diploma while maintaining a job at Freddie’s. Ryan was still undecided on his future plans but considered attending college for criminal justice or even joining the military. He could accomplish anything he set his mind to.

Ryan was so greatly loved by his family and friends. He is deeply missed.

He is lovingly remembered by his mother Yvette Rivera; grandmother Frances Griego; grandfather John Rivera; siblings Alexis Knight, Brianna Knight and Miracle Rivera; father John Knight; stepmother La Tasha Knight; stepbrothers Dominik and Rhyine Romero; nieces and nephew Arianna Knight, Jaylenn Gallegos and Jeremiah Knight.

A Public Visitation will take place at 5:00 PM in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home on Tuesday June 3, 2025, followed by a Devotional Ceremony at 6:00 PM. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday June 4, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Sangre De Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home with a burial to follow at Apostolic Praise Temple Cemetery in Dixon.

Serving as Pallbearers are Izaiah Padilla-Rios, Zachariah Apodaca, Dominik Romero, Rhyine Romero, Raydaniel Gallegos, Matthew Madrid and Danyel Martinez.

The family of Ryan Rivera has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477