Pioneer restaurant owner dies

University of Nevada, Reno professor Emma Sepulveda said Ribera changed her life by giving her a scholarship to attend college.

Ribera also devoted time and food to children at Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Reno.

"He not only changed my life with his generosity, but has changed the lives of many people," Sepulveda said.

His contributions were recognized last year when a park in southeast Reno was named after him.

Ribera had battled complications from diabetes, and both of his legs were amputated in 1996 because of poor circulation caused by diabetes.

He's survived by his wife, Maralyn, and daughter, Antonia Parks, who now runs Miguel's Mexican Food restaurant on South Virginia Street.

Memorial services are scheduled for Aug. 24 at Rose Burke & Knobel Mortuary in Reno.

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