River Cogbill

River Jerome Armbruster Cogbill, known affectionately to all as River, was a beacon of light in the lives of those he touched. Born on September 23, 1999, in the coastal city of Galveston, Texas, River embraced the world with open arms, a ready smile, and an unquenchable zest for life. His journey on this earth, though brief, was marked by a trail of joy, laughter, and love, culminating in his passing on January 15, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

River's life was a testament to the power of positivity and the strength of the human spirit. His parents, Stephanie and Brian Zampini, instilled in him the values of kindness and compassion which he carried with him throughout his life. Although his grandparents, Jerry and Linda Armbruster and Father Jon Cogbill, preceded him in death, their legacy lived on through River's generous nature. His brother, Cody Raine Simmons; uncle, Jeff Armbruster; cousin, Christopher Armbruster; and grandparents, Steve and Elaine Cogbill, with his beloved Aunt Sherry Cogbill, were all integral parts of his life's tapestry, each thread woven with care and affection.

A proud graduate of Flour Bluff High School, River's academic journey was only the beginning of his pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. His interests were as vast as the ocean he loved so dearly. Fishing was not just a pastime for River; it was a symphony of patience, skill, and harmony with nature. The beach was his sanctuary, a place where he and his cherished dog Ellie could bask in the majesty of the waves and the warmth of the sun. His adventurous spirit also found solace in the mountains, where hiking with friends offered a different kind of serenity and challenge.

To describe River as loving, friendly, and adventurous barely scratches the surface of who he was. He was a soul who lived fully, loved deeply, and embraced every moment with unwavering enthusiasm. His bright spirit encouraged others to seek beauty in their surroundings and to always aim for the stars every day. River embodied this philosophy, daring to live a life rich with experiences and connections.

In honoring River's memory, let us take a page from his book of life and remember to approach each day with the same infectious joy and boundless curiosity that he did. Let us cherish the people in our lives, as he so cherished his family and friends. And let us venture into the world with the understanding that our time here is precious, and that we, too, can leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those we encounter.

River Jerome Armbruster Cogbill may have left the physical realm, but his spirit remains a guiding light-an inspiration to live fully, love deeply, and tackle life's adventures with courage and a smile. Though we mourn his departure, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the countless ways in which he made our world a brighter, more beautiful place.

If EVENTS are posted below, floral tributes may be ordered for those services, otherwise, floral tributes will automatically be delivered to the primary family address on file.