Christopher Anthony Rivera Legits

It is with profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Christopher, a loving son, brother, and friend to many, on Saturday, September 10, 2022. He was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, attended Wood Gormley Elementary School, graduated with honors from St. Michael’s High School in 2014, and then graduated from the University of New Mexico where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Emergency Medical Services. He proudly fulfilled his dream of becoming state and nationally certified as a paramedic. He was employed by Albuquerque Ambulance and Duke City Urgent Care in Albuquerque. Chris was proud to be a part of a phenomenal family of medical providers and caregivers.  He travelled to Ecuador where he was certified as a bilingual Spanish-English speaker. We are incredibly proud of his Hispanic heritage that spans for over 7 generations. Christopher was passionate at an early age to go above and beyond to help others. He enjoyed being outdoors where he loved to go fishing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, sky-diving, bike riding, gardening, running (half-marathon), and riding his motorcycle, but his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He lived by his motto “Life is an Adventure”. Though Chris passed at an early age, he lived a full life. He possessed a strong work ethic and an unconditional compassion for all. He never compromised his integrity, no matter the circumstances. He possessed an infectious smile, an undying embracing spirit, and a beloved quirky personality. He spent his last day doing what he loved, fishing in his kayak with one of his many close friends. To Chris, there weren’t any strangers, just people he hadn’t made friends with yet. He will forever be in our hearts, will never be forgotten, and his memories will always be cherished. Chris is preceded in death by his grandparents, Teofilo Rivera Jr., Ted John Legits Sr., Annie Legits, and his uncle Jaime L. Trujillo. He is survived by his parents Anthony and Annette Legits, his brother Matthew Rivera-Legits, grandmother Teresina Rivera, aunts Doris Trujillo, Orlinda Torres (Joe), Debra Rivera-Sommer, Donna Bokatsian (partner Matt), Lisa Morrison (John), Liz Legits Martinez (Michael), Kathleen Legits Romero (Chuck), uncles Ted Legits Jr., Patrick Legits, Ted A. Rivera (Evelyn), and numerous loving cousins and friends.

Services will be held on Monday, September 19th, 2022, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (131 Cathedral Pl., Santa Fe, New Mexico), starting at 10:00 am for his rosary. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am. Those unable to attend can participate through livestream (Link on Berardinelli Family Funeral Services website), Burial will follow immediately at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Chris’ name can be made to UNM Children’s Hospital or the Upper Pecos Watershed Association. 

For the UNM Children's Hospital, please mail contributions to:

UNM Foundation

Two Woodward Center

700 Lomas Blvd. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87102

or visit 

https://www.unmfund.org/fund/unmh-childrens-hospital/

For the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, please mail contributions to:

Upper Pecos Watershed Association

P.O. Box 140

Pecos, NM  87552

or visit

https://pecoswatershed.org/wp-home/

For either organization, please leave a note stating your gift is in memory of Christopher Anthony Rivera Legits.