Celeste "Sal" Riva

Celeste Riva Obituary

Celeste "Sal" Riva May 30, 1940 - June 18, 2004 A lifetime resident of Pittsburg and Antioch, Sal entered into rest in Walnut Creek at the age of 64 years. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 37 years, Sandra Riva of Antioch; daughter, Valerie Riva of Antioch; son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Valerie Riva of Clayton; sister, Elizabeth Pettas of Pittsburg; brother, Andrew Riva of Brentwood; and five precious grandchildren, Alexandra, Juliana, Sophia, Gabriella, and Andrew. Sal spent over 40 years in the food, beverage, beer, wine and spirits industries including successful ownership and management of Riva Bar & Grille and Lo-Cost Liquor, both in Antioch. He possessed an amazing blend of intelligence, humor, love and compassion that radiated throughout his personal and professional relationships. While his loss is significant, his impact will last forever. Visitation will be Tuesday, 6/22/2004, from 2-7pm, with a Vigil at 7pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, 6/23/2004, 10am at Church of the Good Shepherd in Pittsburg. Contributions may be made to the Caroline Riva Memorial Fund, c/o Children's Hospital, 757 Fifty Second St., Oakland, CA 94609, or to the Frank Riva Scholarship Fund, c/o Church of the Good Shepherd, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg, CA 94565. Pittsburg Funeral Chapel 925-432-2114

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Published by Contra Costa Times on Jun. 20, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Celeste Riva

13 Entries

Dayna Saling (Pedersen)

July 19, 2004

Dear Sandy, Valerie, Frank & family,

I would like to send my deepest condolence to you and your family.
I was fortunate to be a friend of Valerie's at Holy Rosary and enjoyed the times with your family and what fun and smiles you brought to all who knew you.

Sincerely-
The Saling's
Scott, Dayna(Pedersen), Julia & Joseph

Jerry (Geraldine) Leber

June 26, 2004

Dear Sandy,

My heart and prayers go out to you
and your family, Celeste and I went
back many years to St. Peter Martyr
School and High School.

I will miss him as he was a true
gentleman with a heart as big as
his smile.

Jerry and Jess Leber

Donna DeStefano

June 22, 2004

And to beautiful cousin Betty....

may you find some peace knowing that your brother is with your parents and that someday you will be with him dancing with the angels.

Richard & Karen Riva

June 22, 2004

Sandy and family: You are in our hearts and prayers. Not only a cousin, but a fine person. Love to all of you.

Kathy Belleci

June 22, 2004

Dear Sandy and Family,

My deepset sorrow for your loss. Celeste was a wonderful person whom I have know for years. I did not attend St. Peter Martyr, but my husband Frank did. Celeste was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. My friend John Viscuso and I used to come to the restaurant and sit at the bar prior to having dinner and have some wonderful conversations with Celeste. He always had a smile for everyone. We will all miss him.

Joetta & Richard Gonzalez

June 21, 2004

My husband, Richard, has memories of Sal when he owned Lo-Cost Liquors as he was growing up. Then, we both came to know him, his wife and Vickie when Riva's became our favorite restaurant after we were married. No other restaurant has been better in Antioch! We remember how proud everyone was when Vickie and Mark were expecting Alexandria! Our thoughts and hearts are with the Riva family.

Cliff Barker

June 21, 2004

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Sal. I will never forget the good times we all had at Riva's. Sal was prince among men, always with a joke and a laugh. He also knew how to run a bar for us guys.

Francine Enea-Duff

June 21, 2004

To Sandra and family,

Sending my prayers and love to you in the loss of Celeste. I have such fond memories of him from our days at St. Peter Martyr School . Even though we didn't see each other very often, we all were like family, he will be missed.

Donna DeStefano

June 21, 2004

Sandy, Valerie, Frankie,

As soon as I heard that Celeste was ill I knew that I had to get to the hospital to see him right away. I am so glad that I got the chance to speak to him before he passed away. The last thing he said to us as we left the room was "You brought me back to life." If only for a few seconds, I am blessed to have made him smile.

Love you all...Donna Rose DeStefano

Karen (Coachman) Mattson

June 21, 2004

I will always remember the smile he had for everyone. He will be missed.

Amy Rood

June 21, 2004

Sandra,

I send my condolences to you as well as your family. Although I only met Sal one time, I still remember how nice and sweet he was, I felt as if I had known him for years. May my love and prayers be with you.

With Sympathy,

Amy Rood (Rick's on Second)

Bill and Sue Plummer

June 20, 2004

We enjoyed Celeste's friendship through Primary school, Boys' Club, sports, high school and adult life. His smile, wit and optimism will be missed.

Tony Aiello

June 20, 2004

Dear Sandy, Frank, Valerie:

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Celeste. We were saddened as I know many of his friends have been.

Although we have not been in personal contact for too many years, my memories remain fond and strong dating back to our very young years. Years and experiences that defined who we became - St. Peter Martyr School and Pittsburg High School and our friendship. As I wrote Domenica Aiello and Andrea Milani, although the day-to-day or even, sadly, year-to-year contacts did not exist the spiritual bondedness transcended time and bridged the years. Celeste's gentleness and concern for others will always be part of his legacy. We especially thank you for inviting our family into your lives. Our two oldest girls remember your hospitality when they were very young and included us for dinner with Celeste's mother in your home.

Our prayers are with Celeste,you and your family and his brother and sister.

Tony and Mary Aiello and our girls:

Carla, Angela and Emilia