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. Cameron Barnett says:

    I worked with him while I was with CDS. He was such a good man. We need a thousand more like him to teach a million more. May God hold you in his hands.

  2. Sandro and Rob says:

    David, may the wind always be by your side. We hold great memories. We enjoyed your energy at family’s gatherings and your delicious food. We will miss you. Until we see you above my friend.

  3. Elayne & Julyssa Renteria says:

    We will always remember your smile and passion to cook during family gatherings. Your willingness to help others where ever needed. We will miss you dearly! Love you always!

  4. Johnny says:

    I say a man's deeds and his epitaph say what is known about him. I only knew of David through family, and by them I will say, the world's light shines a little dimmer now. With my humblest sympathy.

  5. Marissa says:

    Nino,
    Thank you for taking on the roll of being a godparent to me. Every memory with you is full of joy! Your kind spirit will be missed tremendously. Rest In Peace, your in the arms of the Lord...Until we meet again...

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