Richard I Rivera

RICHARD I. RIVERA, of Hainesport, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17th, 2026. He was 73 years of age. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he is the son of the late Ildfonso and Blanca (nee Torres) Rivera and has resided in Hainesport for the last 22 years.

Richard grew up in Bronx, NY- becoming a lover of history, sports, music, dance, family, friends and of course The New York Yankees! He lived with his family for 13 years in the Bronx before moving to Bayamon, Puerto Rico. At 18, he enlisted into the U.S. Military, proudly serving his country, stationed around the world and meeting the love of his life, Monika, in Zeil am Main, Germany. Richard dedicated 24 years of active service to the Army, achieving the highest honors of enlisted men as Sergeant Major (SGM). He continued his service for another 24 years as JROTC instructor at Riverside High School in Riverside, NJ; Lakewood HS in Lakewood, NJ; McNair Academic HS in Jersey City, NJ, and Delsea HS in Franklinville, NJ.

He is the Beloved Husband of Monika Hilde (nee Kraus) Rivera of Hainesport, NJ, the Loving Father of Marcus Rivera and his wife Galina, Robert Rivera and his wife Melanie, and Veronica Rivera Palm and her husband Matthew; the Beloved Opa to his 9 Grandchildren- Brayden, Brielle, Logan, Aubrey, Ethan, Morgan, Gabriella, Max and Mia; and 1 Great Grandchild, Shamus. He is survived by his brother Heriberto Rivera and wife, Monse; his sister Yolanda Rivera-Ramadan and husband, preceded in death Mohammed Ramadan; Nana Rivera and husband/brother, preceded in death Cesar Rivera; and many other family members living in New York and Puerto Rico.

Richard, Rich, Opa – was a selfless father, a devoted husband, and generous mentor to countless young men and women who he genuinely considered family. He was a proud American, who loved his heritage and worked tirelessly to build a legacy based on a foundation of duty, loyalty, respect, service and selflessness.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 PM at the BRADLEY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055, where a Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Celebration of life will continue at the Medford VFW from 2:30 to 7pm at VFW Post 7677; 317 Church Rd. Medford, NJ 08055. Befitting his honors, rank, and lifelong service to this country, an interment will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, V.A. at a future date.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cinncinnati, OH 45250-0701 or at https://www.dav.org

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