Harold Rivers

1930 - 2018

Harold Rivers age 87 years and 11 months passed away from natural causes on July 18, 2018.
From the Pennsylvania Valley Forge area he and his wife Niobe resided in Sandpiper, Lakeland, Florida since 1995, and recently moved to Crystal River, Florida to be near their family.
Born in his grandfathers' home in Hollis Long Island, New York August 18, 1930. The family moved to Chester, Pa in 1932 following the death of his father Captain Joseph Rivers and injury to his mother during a ships explosion at the Sun Oil Co. in Marcus Hook, Pa. Enrolled in Carson Long Military Institute at age ten, he joined the Merchant Marine upon graduation at age 16. He attended Grove City College then enlisted during the Korean War with the Army Security Agency and was posted in Germany for the Cold War. He married his wife Niobe Frame in 1952 in Chester, Pa.
Together they raised three daughters and resided in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New Jersey. They traveled and visited forty three countries. After discharge from the Army he was employed as a machinist or electrician at Chrysler, General Electric, Westinghouse and New York Shipbuilding. He trained in Canada with Confederation Life as an underwriter. In Philadelphia he was employed by the General Adjustment Bureau as an Insurance Adjuster and Branch Manager serving in several states. Joining Reliance Insurance Co. of Philadelphia he became Director of Claims, authored instructional materials, lectured frequently and traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada settling large property, business interruption, and marine claims. Outstanding Educator was awarded him for providing adult education at the Insurance Society of Philadelphia. He joined the Hudson Consulting Group in Wayne, Pa as Vice President. Retiring to Lakeland he served as a substitute public school teacher and as a member of the Polk Co Sheriffs citizens assisted patrol. A life member of the DeMolay, Masonic Lodge#236 Chester, Pa, B.P.O.E. Elks #1291 Lakeland ,and the VFW. A Knight Templar and Royal Arch Chapter member in Pottstown, Pa. Member Rhode Island Shrine and PA Coudersport Consistory. His interests include a passion for Dachshunds, gardening, reading, and traveling.
He is preceded in death by his father Capt. Joseph Hewitt Rivers, mother Viola Snell Rivers, brother David Rivers and maternal grandparents David and Sarah Snell.
Survived by his loving family, his wife of over 66 years Niobe Frame Rivers, daughters April McLaughlin and husband Denis McLaughlin of Beverly Hills Fl, Robin Kelly and husband Thomas Kelly of New Jersey, and Holly Lehberger and husband Mark Lehberger of Colorado. Grandsons Cory McLaughlin and wife Kari McLaughlin, John McLaughlin and partner Dr. Daniel Schwed, and Rece Lehberger.
A service will be Thurs. July 26, 11:00 am at the Lakeland Funeral Home on South Bartow Rd. Interment in Florida National Veterans Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Florida Dachshund Rescue League of FL, Elks Children's Camp Umatilla, FL, or United Methodists Children's Home Enterprise FL.