Richard Robert Rivera

Richard Robert Rivera (‘Bob’) passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. He was 89. At the time of his passing, Bob was surrounded by many loving family members.

Born in NYC, the son of Anne and Felix Rivera, Bob grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School in 1953 and proudly served in the US Navy.

After serving his country he returned to NYC, learned the elevator trade, and became a self proclaimed “elevator doctor”. Working in NYC and then later continuing this work after his move to Vermont, in 1967. He retired from Otis Technologies in 2002.

Bob met Sarah, his beloved wife of 42 years, while whistling as he fixed the elevators at the Medical Center of Vermont. They shared a home in Jericho Vermont for 27 years. The Green Mountain State provided the perfect backdrop for many of his favorite activities, especially skiing. He served on the Ski Patrol at Stowe Mountain and later as an ambassador at Sugarbush Mountain. His passion for skiing was remarkable, skiing well into his late 80s in the mountains of Colorado. In addition, Bob was a talented gardener, with an uncanny ability to grow beautiful vegetables and fruit. He also loved working on cars, putting much care into rebuilding classic cars including a treasured 1934 Ford Deluxe.

Bob leaves behind his wife Sarah Rivera; children David Jones (Laura), Susan Hall, Jennifer Mahoney (Matt); as well as grandchildren Stephanie Greene (Patrick), Will Jones, Evan Hall, Andrew Hall, Anna Mahoney, Erin Mahoney, and Ryan Mahoney, and many other family members. He is preceded in death by his children Christopher Rivera and Meghan Callan.

A man of strong convictions, a tireless thirst for knowledge, a love for country and history. All who know him, would agree it was a life well lived. And as Bob would say…. “Cheers”!

There will be a celebration of Bob’s life on April 5th, 2pm at

Elizabeth Cavalry Church 4031 Park Lane Elizabeth, CO, 80107

A reception will follow at Sarah and Bob’s nearby home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing.