Felipe Rivera

Felipe Rivera, 83, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at his home in Taylor, Utah, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on May 29, 1942, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, to Celestino Rivera and Maria Marrero. Raised on a farm, Felipe learned the value of hard work at a young age. At 17, seeking greater opportunity, he moved to New York. He began working as a dishwasher in a restaurant, where he discovered his passion for the culinary arts. While washing dishes, he carefully observed the chefs and learned to prepare a variety of cuisines, steadily advancing in his career.

After seven years working as a dishwasher and busboy, Felipe began training as an assistant chef at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. He later became an assistant chef while also operating a catering business on the side. He eventually served as head chef at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia cafeteria, where for 17 years he prepared breakfast and lunch daily for more than 500 people before retiring.

On February 2, 1963, Felipe married the love of his life, Maria Luisa Cruz, in Manhattan, New York. They were later sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple on March 15, 1975. Together they were blessed with four beautiful daughters, of whom he was immensely proud.

Felipe and Maria were baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 15, 1971. Throughout his life, he faithfully served in many callings, including Primary and Nursery teacher, Elders Quorum president, High Priests group leader, clerk, Bishop, and Sunday School president. He also had the privilege of serving as the first Bishop of the first Spanish-speaking ward in Philadelphia. Together, Felipe and Maria served a 12-month mission at the Ogden Employment Center. His favorite calling was serving for a total of 16 years as an ordinance worker in both the Washington D.C. and Ogden Temples. He loved his Savior, cherished studying the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and sincerely sought to emulate Him in all he did.

Felipe had a remarkable gift for friendship. He loved serving and caring for others and won people’s hearts with his warm smile, charming accent, and kind nature. Once you became his friend, you became family. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball, cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the BYU Cougars, visiting with neighbors, fixing anything in need of repair, working in the yard, camping with family, and hosting large family dinners.

Felipe is survived by his devoted wife, Maria Luisa Cruz; his four daughters: Myrna (Thomas) Triano, Evelyn (Kevin) Tuckett, Eileen (Gary) Anderson, and Catherine (Brian) Tolman; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 12 siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Celestino Rivera and Maria Marrero, and eight siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Taylor 2nd Ward Building, 2200 S 4300 W, Ogden, Utah, with a viewing beginning at 9:30 a.m. An additional viewing will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W 5600 S, Roy, Utah. Interment will take place at West Haven City Cemetery, 1550 S 2350 W, West Haven, Utah.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Ogden Clinic Hematology Oncology, Ogden Regional Infusion Center, and Atlas Homecare and Hospice for their compassionate care, love, and support of our beloved Papi.

Funeral services will be live streamed and available at the bottom of Felipe's obituary page.