Peter Rivera

Peter Rivera
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Peter Rivera, longtime resident of Guilford. He was born on July 14, 1936 and raised in New York City, the eldest of 4.
Peter was exceptionally handy, often repairing appliances or building things from scratch. He first studied at the Radio and Television Institute in New York City, which led to a job at Western Electric. He then earned his bachelor's degree from City College in Manhattan, attending classes in the evenings, leading to a position at AIL Systems Inc, an aerospace and electronics company. In 1980, he moved his family to Guilford and worked at Sikorsky Aircraft and later Norden Systems, retiring for the last time in 2005.
He married Joyce Rivera (Gelinas), on September 23, 1973. Theirs was a relationship of epic passion sustained over 52 spirited years of marriage as they worked, raised children, and had many adventures, traveling the world and even visiting all 50 states.
Peter was a true patriarch, possessing a beautiful combination of Latin machismo and admirable humility. He had a fearless spirit and was always up for a challenge. He was ever eager to lend a helping hand, most clearly illustrated when he saved a child from choking at a restaurant and another time when he saved a boy, whose boat caught on fire, from drowning. He slipped away from both incidents with no fanfare.
Peter loved to laugh and retell jokes. He was an environmentalist who biked to work. He enjoyed playing chess with family and friends. He loved to explore and would go on long runs and walks throughout North Guilford and North Branford. He loved music and cherished volunteering.
Peter leaves behind his wife Joyce Rivera, daughter Allison Rivera, son Jonathan Rivera, grandsons Brady and Parker Rivera – who brough him great joy, son Paul Rivera (Maria), daughter Donna Matthews (Jeff), brother Ronny Rivera and sister Vicky Dross (Jose). He is predeceased by parents Domingo and Amparo Rivera, brother Bobby Rivera and daughter Susan Rivera.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. – both at North Madison Congregational Church located at 1271 Durham Road, Madison.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Martin de Porres Academy in his name. www.saintmartinacademy.org or send to 208 Columbus Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519.