Ferdy was born on November 23, 1942 in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Esther and Fernando Rivera, Sr.
He primarily grew up in Clifton, New Jersey. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and St. John’s University.
Ferdy moved to Virginia as a sales representative with Abbott Pharmaceuticals. He had a 36-year career with them, calling on a great number of hospitals and physicians.
He had a great love for VCU basketball and was a long-time member of ACAC Fitness Club where he leaves behind many good friends. Ferdy and his wife, Phyllis, loved to travel and shared some amazing trips around the world. Ferdy continued friendships from as far back as his days of playing in the sandbox as a boy. You could always count on a check-in from him to see how you were doing. His favorite way to close a message was always “Stay well, my friend.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; his sister, Mary Velez; his daughters, Deana Seiler (Keith) and Amy Hanrahan (Patrick); his niece, Bridget Velez; and his first wife, Sandra Rivera. Ferdy had a great love for and pride in his grandchildren, including Colin and Kelsey Seiler, Sydney, Paige, Reese, and Tatum Dudley, and Sam, Rachael, and Michael Hanrahan.
Donations in his memory may be made to:
- The Michael R. Pascucci Cancer Association at 235 Willowbrook Road, Earleysville, VA 22936, or
- The Epilepsy Foundation of VA (Central Virginia Chapter) at P.O. Box 980324 Richmond VA, 23298.
A Celebration of Life for Ferdy will be held on October 15, 2022 from 1 - 5pm at Woody’s Huguenot Chapel at 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113.