Richard Rivera

We are so saddened to hear of Richard's death and we wish to extend our very sincere condolences to Deb and his family. In Richard's skilled hands Ambrosia became a landmark in the community and provided us with the best of European pastries, in or out of this continent. Whether birthday cakes or wedding cakes, Yule logs or gingerbread houses, the holidays were always more special with something from Ambrosia. It became clear very quickly that Richard's talent knew no limits. In the first...

Richard was the first Pastry Chef to give me an opportunity to bake. It was 1984 at the Westin O'Hare, & I was a line cook who wanted to bake. All the stumbling in the first few months, and he always backed me up. Now I'm in charge of 50 bakers in 16 Panera Cafes in the south suburbs.
It was a pleasure to be able to meet him again in 2000, in Barrington. Always with a smile, and words of wisdom. He is already missed in my mind. Our prayers to Deb and his children.

Michael...

My sincerest condolences to the family. May the strength and peace that only God can give comfort you during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)