Sergio Rivera Payan

Sergio Rivera, Jr. was born on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1995 in Brighton, Colorado to Dalila Yadira Payan and Sergio Rivera. He was an only child, who enjoyed living in Brighton with his parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Raised in Brighton, Colorado he attended South Elementary, Vikan Middle, and Brighton High School. He also attended and received his sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation from St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Beginning at a very young age, Sergio was known as the quiet one, often shy and not wanting to be the center of attention. His teachers praised his good grades, encouraging him to go farther and stay focused. When he was in high school, he was offered a unique opportunity to travel internationally to Spain with his bible study group. He returned home filled with experiences that he proudly shared with his family.

As an accomplished athlete, Sergio enjoyed basketball, he earned a black belt in martial arts and played competitive baseball. He also enjoyed attending family events. He loved his grandmother Rosa’s cooking. Those closest to him called him “Gordo” for his boyish, rounded face that gave the kindest smile.

Over the past four years, he lived periodically in Newport Beach, California. He shared with his mom how much he loved being close to the ocean, the nice weather and being able to walk on the beach every day.

Sergio was a private person who never asked for much. Anyone who knew him would comment on how he was always respectful, polite and soft spoken. When he worked construction with his Dad he never complained of the hard labor, long hours or cold weather. He enjoyed simple things like a good meal, being with friends and living in Brighton. He knew his neighborhood well and often walked to his destinations. He also loved his parents – tattooing his Mom’s name on his heart that he personally sketched. He was gifted artistically and could draw very well.

Sergio is survived by his parents Sergio Rivera and Dalila Yadira Payan; grandparents Sabino and Rosa Payan and Manuel Rivera and Elvira Pena.

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