Roman Alberto Rivera

GARDEN CITY – Roman Alberto Rivera, a 29-year-old resident of Garden City, Idaho, and formerly of Burley, Idaho, returned home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Roman was born to Roman and Maria Avila Rivera on March 6, 1996, in Rupert, Idaho. He was the eldest of two children. Roman attended Minico High School, graduating in 2014. After high school, he pursued higher education at Boise State University, where he earned double bachelor’s degrees in biology and pre-medicine.

Roman worked at the Apple Store, something he truly loved. With a passion for technology and a natural talent for helping others, he proudly held the title of “Genius,” a role that suited him perfectly. He dreamed of one day either working at Apple’s corporate office in their Biomedical Engineering Department, or pursuing a medical degree and becoming a doctor and working alongside his mother.

Roman loved his family more than anything and spent much of his time with them. Every chance he had, he visited his mom, dad, and younger brother, Asher. He never missed a holiday, a birthday, or any special occasion. Roman made time for everyone in his life—whether it was a quick phone call to check in, a coffee run, or a trip to a car show. He made you feel like the most important person in the world.

Another one of Roman’s great loves was food. He was a true foodie who enjoyed exploring new restaurants. He often called his mom to tell her about new places opening, always excited to take her with him. Roman had a caring heart and always showed up for the people he loved.

Roman was a ray of sunshine in every room he entered. His friendly, warm personality had a way of winning people over instantly. He could walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a new friend. He was a bright light, someone naturally gravitated toward. Roman lived life to the fullest, always with a smile on his face and an unwavering positive outlook.

Roman is survived by his parents, Roman Rivera and Maria Rivera; his younger brother, Johnathan Asher Rivera; as well as his grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Celestina Avila; and his uncle, Andres Avila.

Though Roman’s time in this world was all too brief, the light and deep love he freely bestowed upon us shall not fade. His memory is an enduring treasure, and his spirit shall dwell everlastingly in the hearts of all who were blessed to walk a path beside him.

A vigil will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 6 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, at St. Thèrése the Little Flower Catholic Church, located at 1601 Oakley Avenue, in Burley, with the Rev. Father Camilo Garcia as celebrant.