In memory of

Moises David Rivera

Sep 24, 1952
May 14, 2021

Obituary

Moises David Rivera, age 69, died on Friday, May 14, 2021, in the city of Salem, Oregon, a caring and loving community.

He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and was the youngest of two children.

From his early days in Guatemala until his move to the United States in 1974, Moises David enjoyed creating and cooking authentic Guatemalan dishes alongside his dear mother, an enjoyment that eventually prepared him for his lifelong career in the hospitality industry.  Moises David worked his way from California to New York, doing what he loved the most: being a team member of elite event planners in New York, cooking and making lifelong friends along the way.  His charming personality and broad smile allowed him to ascend to management positions and lead bartender.  Moises David's attention to detail and high standards opened the opportunities for him to become a partner in a family-owned Puerto Rican restaurant in Alhambra, California, and eventually owning his own catering business with his wife, Esther.

In 2008, Moises David and his wife, relocated to Oregon where they eventually became caregivers in an adult foster home for seniors with mental disabilities.  After caring for his brother-in-law, John, who passed away in 2017, Moises David decided to go back to what he loved doing the most: food. He worked for CDS (Club Demonstration Services) located inside the Costco Store in Salem, until his death.

Moises David was preceded in death by his parents, Eulalio Rivera and Maria Marroquin, and son, David Rafael.

Moises David is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Esther; son, Jonathan; beloved granddaughter, Victoria Alejandrina; grandsons, Matthew David and Nicolas; his forever adoring sister, Sylvia; his beautiful nieces, Twanna and Tanisha; his grandnieces, Alisha, Khadijah, Nyasia, Janay and Elizabeth; grandnephews, Vernon, Jr. and David; great grandnephews, Zakiay and Xavier; and great grandniece, Me'lanie.

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David

THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Rivera family would like to extend our gratitude to all our family and friends for their endless support and prayers.

Service Information

Funeral Service & Viewing
Tuesday May 25, 2021 1:00-3:00 PM
Johnson Funeral Home
134 Missouri Ave S Salem, OR 97302

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Adele Koch says:

    I remember David as a kind and gentle man. So many memories with David and Esther. David may be gone but he will always be remembered. May he Rest In Peace.

  2. Vi Lilly says:

    To Esther and Family,
    This is a sad time for all of us who knew and loved David. He was a gentle quiet soul who was always there when you needed him. I will always remember his kindness to me. Although we are miles apart, I feel the sadness and I pray for God's comfort, peace and love for David and for his family.
    With sympathy and love.

  3. Augustine Villanueva says:

    David....you were a classy guy, a great husband, an awesome cook, and my best compadre....may you rest peacefully in God's arms...
    Till I see you again..

  4. Sylvia Villanueva says:

    David you will forever be in our hearts. You are truly missed but I know that you are now in the presence of the Lord. Rest In Peace.

  5. Patrick! says:

    David you were my other big brother. From N.Y. to California you always showed care and compassion in everything you did. You were an exceptional person, a dear friend, a good father and husband to Esther. You will be missed bro! R.I.P.

  6. Vanessa and the Lopez family says:

    We feel honored to have known such a good soul. May he rest in peace.

  7. Your sister in law, Noelia says:

    David, you were my brother, my friend, my anchor! I don't remember a time when you were not there giving 100% of yourself! Your strength and gentle manner helped me overcome some of the most difficult times in my life. I miss you so much! RIP my darling brother.

  8. Deborah Jimenez says:

    Si el Tio que me entendia y me dio mucha oportunidadas para creer y el ejemplo a seguir.
    Titi Esther so so sorry and sorry for the hard time and enething you need pleace I'm here to help and be there for you. Love You.

  9. Steve Robles and family. says:

    Rest In Peace, David.

  10. Brandi Palamaris says:

    Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing David, loved him. Such a kind and open person with a joyful nature that was contagious. He always made me laugh, and had a wisdom and insight that was both comforting and inspiring. He was one of my dearest friends and he will be missed greatly. Sending so much love to Esther and family.

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