Herman J. Rivers

Herman J. Rivers
1926 - 2014
Springfield
Herman John Rivers, 88, lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 19th at Redstone Rehabilitation in East Longmeadow. Born in Springfield to the late Frederick and Dorothy (Broughton) Rivers, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a longtime communicant of Holy Name Parish in Springfield where he was very active in the church community and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He also enjoyed fishing over the years. Herman was self-employed as a Carpenter for many years, and was formerly employed with Westinghouse and Perkins Machine and Gear. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Naomi R. (LaMora) Rivers in 2008. Herman is survived by his son, Thomas F. Rivers of Springfield; his four daughters, Donna Dube of Holyoke, JoAnn Hough and her husband James of Wilbraham, Linda Rivers of Springfield and Kathleen Tranghese and her husband David of Wilbraham; his sister, Thelma Devine of East Longmeadow; eight adored grandchildren, Melanie, Sara, Julie, Colin, Thomas, Kathleen, Gina and Patrick; four great-grandchildren, Samantha, Abigail, Anna and David; many nieces and nephews and by a very special friend and caregiver, Millie O'Connor of East Longmeadow. Besides his loving wife Naomi, he was predeceased by his siblings, Stanley, Frederick, Madelyn, Amber and Cecilia Rivers and Angela O'Connor. Family and friends are invited to meet for Calling Hours on Sunday March 23rd from 2-5 PM at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Herman's Funeral Ceremony will be held on Monday March 24 starting at 9:45 AM at the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Holy Name Church, 323 Dickinson St., Springfield. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herman's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 264 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01101. www.forastierefuneralhome.com