Raul Sanchez

Rivera

RAUL SANCHEZ RIVERA, age 48, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away in October 2026.

Raul was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico on August 30, 1978, to Guadalupe Sanchez-Vigil and Emilio T. Rivera. He went to high school at Las Cruces High, graduating in 1996, followed by New Mexico State University where Raul earned a double major in Chemistry and Biochemistry in 2000. After graduating he worked for two years in a pharmaceutical company in Des Moines, Iowa. Raul then attended graduate school at Arizona State University, earning his PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry in 2007, after which he spent a year doing postdoctoral research in Wilmington, Delaware. Following his research training, he spent his time working for various pharmaceutical companies in Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Raul’s insatiable curiosity about the world made him a brilliant scientist, and he lived his life with an unrelenting desire to understand the things around him.

Outside of science, Raul loved riding his motorcycle and just about any sport. He played football and competed in pole vaulting in high school, and he loved racquetball, golf, bowling, archery, and would also participate in various pool tournaments and generally going to the gym. He liked to physically push himself as he would often complete races like multiple half marathons, a full marathon, the Bataan Death March, and various obstacle races like the Tough Mudder and multiple Spartan races.

Raul was a devout fan of the Detroit Lions and would attend as many games, as he was able too.

While challenges weighted portions of his life, they also led him to meet the love of his life and eventual fiancée, Jenna Sturgeon. They loved each other deeply and understood each other in a way that no one else could. Raul held a deep love for his family and friends, and he was a truly joyful person who loved to joke and make others laugh.

Raul is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Raul and Consuelo Rivera; maternal grandparents Jesus and Guadalupe Sanchez, and his fiancée Jenna Sturgeon. He is survived by his daughter Flora Amorette Kenny (Liam); parents Emilio T. Rivera and Guadalupe Sanchez-Vigil (Patrick); siblings Joaquin Rivera, Emilio Rivera (Lindsay), Adelyssa Trego-Rivera, Naivea Rivera, Emarah Rivera, Monica Vigil, Malinda Vigil, and Dianna Franco (Chris); many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Family and Friends will gather at 9 AM Friday, November 27, 2026, at Baca’s Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road where Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 10 AM followed by The Liturgy of the Word. Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Baca’s Funeral Chapel and Cano Funeral Home in Stockton, CA., for all their services.

A scholarship fund is being set up at New Mexico State University to honor Raul's scientific curiosity. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to this scholarship. Please contact Raul’s brother, Emilio S. Rivera (575-649-9716) for details.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com