Published in the September 25, 2015 edition
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Kenneth S. Rivers, 88, of Punta Gorda, Fla., formerly of Melrose, died at the Tidewell Hospice on Port Charlotte, Fla. on Sept. 17.
Ken was born and raised in Everett and was a graduate of Northeastern University. He resided in Melrose for over 30 years and served his country in the U.S. Navy. Ken was a Melrose police officer for 35 years, an Emergency Medical Technician and was involved with the State Police Training School and Criminal Justice Training Program. Ken was a member of V.F.W. Norman Prince Post, American Legion and the Moose Lodge for many years.
Ken was the beloved husband of 64 years to the late Elizabeth Burns-Rivers. Fiancé of Elizabeth Sheilder of Punta Gorda, Fla. He was the caring brother of Arthur Rivers of Malden. He was the dear friend of Pauline and Edward Davin of Florida and Gloria Ward (who was like a daughter to Ken) of Saugus. He was the uncle of David Rivers of Arizona, Chris Rivers and his wife Jane Rivers of Alabama, Ruthann (Rivers) Bartashy and husband Frank of Naples, Fla. and Charles Rivers Jr. and his wife Dorothy. He was the brother-in-law of Nancy Weymouth of Malden, Phyllis Amato of Melrose, Earl and Claire Strange of Everett.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Friday, Sept. 25 from 6-8 p.m. Ken’s funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the funeral home at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial with full military honors will take place in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.
