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Michael Rivas

1954 - 2025

Michael Rivas obituary, 1954-2025, Henrico, VA

BORN

1954

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Woody Funeral Home Parham - Richmond

1771 North Parham Road

Richmond, Virginia

Michael Rivas Obituary

Michael William Rivas, 71, of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2025. Mike was a devoted husband, a loving father and a cherished friend who always made time to help others. Mike was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 23, 1954. Mike attended Douglas Freeman High School and later graduated from Lynchburg College in 1976 with a degree in Sociology.

On June 28, 1980, Mike married Janet Woody from Martinsville, Virginia and they have been happily married for 45 years. Mike is survived by his wife Janet, his son Andy (Jennifer and sons Brandon and David), his son Nicholas and his dog Lucy. He is also survived by his mother, Marlene Rivas, his brother Tim Rivas (Angela), his brother Scott Rivas (Meg) and his sister Lisa Davis (Andrew), and nine nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father, William Rivas.

Mike spent a career in business and advertising that included time at Circuit City, This End Up Furniture and several other retail companies. At Circuit City he worked in copywriting as well as in visual display for the Merchandising department. Mike used his substantial creative skills to design and implement numerous advertising displays in Circuit City stores across the country, often traveling to stores for initial marketing display implementation. Mike was also an active member of the Western Henrico Rotary Club.

Mike was an avid collector, a huge music fan (especially Jimmy Buffett) and loved to travel with Janet. Mike loved to play and watch golf and would regularly text friends or family when someone "should have made that putt." He also loved his Washington Commanders football team. Mike's favorite authors were Mark Twain and Hunter Thompson and he would often spin his own tales, living by the phrase "never let the truth get in the way of a good story."

A memorial service will be held at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229 on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sugar Plum Bakery in Virginia Beach, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Oct. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

judy davis

October 15, 2025

Scott and Meg - thinking of you-- give Marlene a big hug-- Judy (retired dental hygienist from Dr Bernstein's office)

Gene Martin

October 14, 2025

Janet I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have to comment on the photo of Mike enclosed. This photo is an all encompassing tribute to Mike and of Mike. He was always up, loved a good story, just an all round good guy and always fun. I will miss him muchly and will think of him often. I wish you the best and please tell the boys, and the rest of your family, condolences. Gene

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Memorial Events
for Michael Rivas

Oct

16

Service

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Woody Funeral Home

1771 North Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23229

Funeral services provided by:

Woody Funeral Home Parham - Richmond

1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229

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