Andrew Riva

Andrew A. Riva passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 29, 2020, leaving behind a huge void among his family and friends. He was 77 years old. Andrew was born on October 17, 1943 to Frank and Caroline Riva in Pittsburg, CA. He attended St. Peter Martyr School and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1961. In 1964 Andrew met Darlene on the iconic and ever-popular cruise on Pittsburg’s Railroad Avenue. They instantly connected and never looked back – only forward marrying in 1966 and raising their family. He remained in his childhood city until moving to Antioch in 1977 and then to Brentwood in 2003 with his wife Darlene. For most of his life, Andrew worked as a driver for Frito-Lay.He loved to bird hunt and fish which he did with his family and close friends. He was also drawn to the high energy of casinos – perhaps looking for a big win, but he knew he’d already won the family lottery. He loved spending time with his close, childhood friends on their countless casino trips. The Riva’s also spent many memorable and fun-filled vacations in Monterey/Santa Cruz, Reno and Lake Tahoe.Andrew loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays. A favorite tradition was the Riva Christmas Eve dinners, where the table was covered with tons of seafood and surrounded by siblings, cousins, children and grandchildren. He was a thoughtful, caring, loving husband and father, loyal to his family and friends and had a witty sense of humor. He was always quick with his one liners and ready with an opinion to share. He would make himself laugh when he teased his grandchildren. He leaves behind his wife, Darlene, of 54 years; children Tina Trabold (Todd), Carolyn Thurston (Dre) and Andrew S. Riva (Angela); grandchildren Michael Rodriguez, Gregory Watson, Taylor Trabold, Harley Trabold, Nicholas Riva and Christopher Riva; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by son Dominic Riva, his parents Frank C. and Caroline K. Riva (Continente), brother Celeste Riva and sister Elizabeth Pettas.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Peter Martyr School c/o Andrew Riva Scholarship (425 West Fourth St., Pittsburg, CA 94565). Andrew Riva’s family would like to give special thanks to the UCSF Oncology Department and to the nurses and doctors on the 4th floor at John Muir Walnut Creek for the compassionate care they gave to him during these tough and challenging times. Services will be held at a later date.

A memorial service and rosary will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10:30am at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel.