JOSEPH R. RIVERSO

Joseph R. Riverso of White Plains, missing since the September 11 World Trade Center tragedy, will be remembered at a special Memorial Mass this Saturday, September 29 at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, his dear alma mater where he had served as a respected and admired football coach for the past 16 years. He will forever remain in the minds and hearts of his treasured seven-year old daughter Danielle, her mother, Jodi Riverso, his adoring parents Teresa and Domenico Riverso of White Plains, his siblings William Riverso of Providence, RI, Maria Riverso and Ralph Riverso, both of White Plains, and his many friends and associates whom he touched in his own unique way. Joe was born on May 6, 1967 and grew up in White Plains, where he remained as a city resident. He attended St. Bernard's and St. Anthony's Schools, where he began his lifelong passion for sports, and in particular, football and golf. He continued on to Archbishop Stepinac High School, where he excelled in these two sports, becoming the captain of the Varsity Football Team and being named to the First Team All League in 1985, as well as being a contributing member of the Golf Team. He received a Bachelor's of Finance Degree from Iona College in New Rochelle, which he parlayed into a position as an appreciated bond trader in the operations department at Cantor Fitzgerald in NYC, for whom he was working at the time of the tragedy. It was his hometown, his family and friends, however, that commanded most of his dedication and time. In addition to his full-time position at Cantor, Joe was a long-time member of the staff at Bob Hyland's Sports Page as well as an assistant football coach at Archbishop Stepinac High School and a volunteer baseball coach in the Harrison Little League for his daughter Danielle's team. His energy and enthusiasm were boundless, affording him the ability to succeed at all of these tasks simultaneously. He was a caring and knowledgeable football coach whose astuteness in the sport led him to being elected to the Board of Governers of the Catholic High School Football League and an invitee to the Heissman Trophy Awards Ceremonies, both for which he felt very honored. At the Sports Page, where he worked as a bartender, he was always friendly, generous, and prompt to make people laugh with his quick wit and ever-present smile, and his readiness to do anything for anybody. But his pride and joy was his daughter Danielle, 7. A devoted father, the two of them would often be seen at Archbishop Stepinac Football practices and games together, or at the Ebersole Ice Skating Rink, where he was teaching her to skate, as well as the solid principles of life to which he subscribed. This Saturday's Memorial Mass at Archbishop Stepinac High School wil take place at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at the School. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Joseph R. Riverso Memorial Trust for the benefit of Danielle M. Riverso, which will also go to funding future scholarships in his name, c/o Ralph Riverso, 22 Oakwood Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605. For further information please call McMAHON, LYON & HARTNETT Funeral Home. (914)949-7777