Ralph Rivera

You came to me last night my friend for the first time in four years after 18 years together weekly, we talked as I knew we would if I had been there that last day. We sang together, we laughed we cried, you came to me Ralph, and we said our good byes, there was no one I ever loved as a human spirit more so than you and you knew that, 18yrs of laughs, so much travel so much care for each other. We did so much. I was so glad the day I saw your eyes light up in the restaurant in Greenville the day you and Brenda met up again for the first time in a few years, and then you spoke of her often as we traveled. I was so happy for you the night at Rome when she and you came for you told me I think I'm finally gonna get married with a laugh...but I knew you were serious, I'm so glad you and her found each other for it completed you after so long. I've carried you with me everyday and will continue to do so until we meet again, I love you my brother and thank you for coming to me last night finally for I have missed you so. Together forever "my best friend" , ALWAYS were in mind and spirit and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, we meet again daily Ralph every time I sing a song, and everyday I think of you, EVERYDAY ! Your Best Friend, Joe

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

It has been a little over a year since you started your new journey now and I am sure everyone that ever saw you in person and listen to you sing will always miss hearing you. It was in the early 70’s and a friend said we have to drive over to the Ramada inn in Spartanburg to hear your group Anthem sing. After your show I asked you if you would come over to Greenville and try a few shows at the motel I was a manager of and we had a bar and lounge that I was hoping you would sing every night. You came over and preformed at the Thunderbird,my competition, I still came up as much as I could especially when Anthem sang Stairway to Heaven, I always thought you sang that song the best of anyone else around. Godspeed, wish more people were like you.

Made the sadness of the world go away even for just a little while. So many fun memories of Ralph and Anthem. Thought of you guys so much through the years. Miss you all. RIP Ralph. Such a beautiful smile.

Rest in Paradise my sweet friend , my heart aches for your family , friends and everyone who's lives you touched on your journey through life .
Shirley Warma Dellascio

Thank you, Ralph, for being a beautiful spirit in this world, it was an honor to know you and be in your presence. I know you are a guardian angel to all of the precious animals. Love and miss you!

Ralph and I became friends in the 70's when Anthem would come to Columbus and play at the Zodiac. Times we spent together will always be wonderful memories for me. I treasure our long conversations and laughter we shared. Whether it was simply hanging out, going to a favorite local restaurant or getting pulled over at 2:00 am because the police were looking for the stocking strangler, it was always a fun adventure. Unfortunately, we lost touch for a long time, but a few years ago we reconnected and were able to catch up on all the time that had passed. He told me that he still had a book of poems that I had once given him. That meant a lot to me. But Ralph was that kind of thoughtful person. My one regret was that my daughter and I were had planned to stop and see him on one of our trips. Ralph was going to clear the day for us to visit. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and had to head home. Little did I know that "another day to visit" would never come. Fly high sweet soul. I am thankful that our paths met. My life was changed forever by your friendship.

Ralphie, we all miss you so much you were one of our adopted brothers, in our family 40 + years, watch for us we are right behind you, Thank you for all the memories all the love, all the silly times we had, and please give Mom and Dad a kiss from their girls, catch them up on everything, OK?

Brenda, I never met you but I believe you know my sister, Tanya Mathis. I adored Ralph back in the 70's and was a devoted fan of Anthem. I have many wonderful memories of those years surrounding Ralph, David, Marty, Jeff & Mack. They were the best! Once after a show Ralph came to my house and made me an omelet. He was so sweet. I was so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. It is still hard to believe that he is gone. David shared a link of his service with me on Facebook and it was beautiful. I had no idea that he served in the military. That makes me even more proud of him! He was a wonderful, gentle spirit and one of the kindest men I have ever known. My sincerest condolences to you and his other family members. He will certainly be missed!

Big Brother we met later in life but you made a big impact on us you will be missed... God speed

I love you Sweetheart...from the time I first laid eyes on you. You touched so many people's lives in such a positive way. I am so proud of you for the man you were on this earth. I miss you so much my Love.

Met Ralph in the 1970s. Such a great guy! Anthem was super. I wish to send my thoughts to family and close friends as I will miss him so! Prayers!

Ralph was the sweetest, kindest man I've ever known. I bought his starter home 17 years ago and still feel his sweet spirit here especially outside where his plantings, trees and garden treasures remain. I always think of him when the gardenias bloom.
I send my sincere condolences to his loving family.

Ralph will be missed by so many , but what a beautiful legacy he has left behind ! His kindness and huge heart touched anyone that ever had the honor of knowing him !
Prayers for all of his family ! Every one was more than a number in his little red book !

As I was a Desk Clerk/Bellman at the now-gone Ramada Inn in Spartanburg in the late 60's to mid 70's, Ralph and Marty were long-time weekly regulars playing in the Lounge at Ramada, I'm sure they held the record for performances there...

I ran into Ralph about 10 years ago somewhere in Greenville, and asked him aren't you Ralph Rivera? Surprised, he said yes, how do you know me? I reminded him of the Ramada Inn days, and he was shocked I remembered him from that long ago... but he was pleased that I did.

Sad to hear of Ralph's passing... he and Marty were both very friendly and personable men... and always kind to me, as I worked for college money during those years.

RIP Ralph.

Deepest sympathies from Anthem fans in Columbus, Georgia. Ralph was such a sweet,beautiful soul-such that even after all these years, he is remembered and thought of so fondly. His smile could light up the room and he radiated kindness wherever he went.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family and friends as they grieve the loss of this exceptional man. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Hold close your memories and he will be forever in your heart. He has been called home to sing in the heavenly choir.

Ralph was a gentle soul and will be missed by all who came within his wake.

So very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Condolences to all of his family. Especially my Nephew Travis , he loved his father very much. And also to my sister Ramona for the loss of the father of her son. May God's blessing and grace shine upon Ralph. He will be missed dearly.

I was so sorry to hear of his passing.

I knew Ralph from Anthem and then from Ralph and Marty. He was a wonderful singer and a very kind person. He will be missed.

A friend 40 years, best entertainment, excellent hair stylist, father of Travis, grandfather of Ella, beautiful soul.....you will be missed, Ralph. Rest in peace. Condolences to Travis, Ella and family.

A friend 40 years, best entertainment, excellent hair stylist, father of Travis, grandfather of Ella, beautiful soul.....you will be missed, Ralph. Rest in peace. Condolences to Travis, Ella and family.

Ralph was the KINDEST man I have ever met. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace my friend.

Wow! Had no idea Mr. Ralph passed. For some years, he was an awesome neighbor and was always supportive of my teenage son's small business of detailing cars. I never saw him in a bad mood and phone conversations with him would leave me thinking and smiling! May his family and friends find peace knowing that he truly made a positive difference in this world. You all remain in our prayers.
Yolanda, Mikey, Mattie, Maulana

I don't even know where to begin. Ralph was one of my dearest friends for 25 years. I met him through mutual friends when he and Marty were playing at Downtown Alive and continued to enjoy hearing them at the Phoenix Inn. He became my hairdresser, friend and confidante. My visits to his salons were a highlight in my life because he made me feel so special. He was truly the kindest man ever. I will miss him so much and I cherish our texts in the last months of his life. I'll never have another friend like him. Brenda, my heart breaks for you. Werner and I are so glad you and Ralph found each other when you did.
Our prayers to you and the family.

Your light will live in our hearts, always. You will be DEARLY missed by all.

Ralph sang at Donna and my wedding. He was great friend and entertainer. RIP Ralph. Say hello to Donna for us. Love ya'll so much.

Dear Rivera Famiy:

Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss.

We are grateful that you named The Spartanburg Humane Society for memorial donations.

Wishing you peace.

Susan Ebert, Volunteer
Spartanburg Humane Society

I am very happy to have met you and your family my prayers go out to all

Ralph was very special to me and my wife Debby. He and Marty played at our wedding and Debby's 60th surprise birthday party. We went to more Anthem shows and Ralph and Marty shows than we could count. I recall how Marty would get the drum machine and guitars ready while Ralph worked the room and hugged and kissed every lady in the room. He was one of the kindest people you could meet and we will miss him. Ralph, President Bush has left the building.

Ralph was very special to my wife, Debby and I. He and Marty played at our wedding and Debby's surprise 60th birthday 3 years ago. We saw Anthem and later, Ralph and Marty more times than we could count. While Marty would set the drum machine and music for the next set, Ralph would make rounds and hug and kiss every woman in the room before the next set. He was always so kind. Ralph, President Bush has left the building.

I knew Ralph for years and so sad to hear of his death I will miss him. I wish I would have had a chance to say goodbye. Brenda please ask David Berry about me and again I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great person l am sure you know that but it can never be said enough.

Ralph is my friend for 40 years. And for all the time he had a Salon he trimmed my long hair each and every month ..... Until he retired. No matter how I was feeling when he saw me, I ALWAYS left with a smile and feeling special. He touched so many people during his time here......would not be a place to hold them all.
I miss him, I love him and my thoughts are for Brenda and his Family.

I remember Ralph when he was on Anthem and later when he & Marty performed as a duo. Over the years when he became a hairdresser i would occasionally see him around. He was a talented singer and the sweetest, kindest soul. He was truly an angel here on earth, never did I see him without that smile . I'm glad to have met him. He will be missed by so many. My prayers to his family.

I didn't know Ralph, but he sounds like a lovely man. The world needs more people that exhibit empathy towards others like he did. RIP to a precious soul.

Ralph was my hair-dresser and friend for more than 30 years. He was most certainly the nicest man I have ever met. He DID light up a room whenever he entered it. I will missed all the conversations we had as he cut my hair. He listened to all my concerns, and we talked about our cats, and our love for all animals. I will always love and remember my friend Ralph.

When I was younger I saw Anthem a few times but am much more familiar with him from Ralph and Marty, which I saw numerous times. He was a very talented person but more than that his magnetic personality would light up any room and he made everyone feel special. One of the kindest men I have ever met, the kind that leaves a lasting impression no matter how many years it has been. My prayers are with his family as I know that this is a very difficult time for them. He will never be forgotten as there are so many memories to be cherished by everyone whose path he crossed. May God comfort each of you and give you strength to endure the days ahead and a peace as only he can!