Paul Rivaldo

Paul attended Lyons Township High in LaGrange, Illinois and later joined the US Army. While in the service, he was stationed at Fort Chaffee and met his first wife, Mary Catherine Allen. This led to him returning to Ft Smith to live and begin a career and raise a family. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Barling, Ft Smith Fraternal of Police, Past President of Arkansas Chief of Police, and Noon Exchange Club of Ft Smith.

He spent the majority of his career in public service and law enforcement having retired after 20 years as Major with Ft Smith Police Department and then spent several years as Chief of Police in Barling and later Central City. After retiring from law enforcement, he spent time as Mayor of Barling, and Sebastian County Justice of the Peace. During his law enforcement career, he graduated from Westark (now UAFS) and received an Associates Degree in Criminology.

Musician: He played the saxophone in high school and received the honor First Chair during his Sophomore year. Playing the Saxophone stuck with him during his enlistment into the Army with him eventually becoming a part of the US Army Band. Later years he taught himself to play the drums and played for many years in the Ft Smith area, playing with a group at the Senior Center into his 70’s.

Sports: Everyone that new Paul knew he was a huge baseball fan. He played semi-pro baseball in Chicago which helped launch his passion for the Chicago Cubs. In retirement, his calendar evolved around the Cubs schedule. Family members knew when to call and when not too, based on Cub games. In addition to his love of baseball, he spent many years as President of Ft Smith Church League Babe Ruth program having coached Immaculate Conception Babe Ruth for several years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, BJ; son, Paul Rivaldo Jr; three brothers, Phil, George, and Joe; and grandson Jeremy Denton.

He is survived by his adult children, Kathy Elliott (Miles); Melissa Denton (Jerry); Craig Rivaldo (Mary Jo); Vance Rivaldo; Kimberlye Orrison (John). Grandchildren: Nic Brown, Brittany Black, Cory Klein, Connor Rivaldo, Jered Denton, Samantha Williamson, Savannah Orrison, Cole Orrison, and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Visitation, Monday May 8th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home in Ft Smith. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday May 9th at 11:30am at Sacred Heart of Mary in Barling, Graveside service will be family only at the National Cemetery with a procession led by Fort Smith Police Department.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask for Memorials to be made to Sacred Heart of Mary in Barling (1301 Frank St, Barling AR 72923) OR Fraternal Order of Police in Ft Smith (803 No 9th St, Ft Smith 72901).