Harold W. ""Joe Rivers

Harold W. “Joe” Rivers, 76, of Newington, beloved husband for 46 years of Rosemary (Nargi) Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 with his “Little Angel” Rosemary by his side. Born in New Britain on February 4, 1941, he was the son of the late Harold and Dorothy (Stack) Rivers. Joe worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Public Works for many years. Joe was an avid NASCAR race fan and he enjoyed collecting racing memorabilia. Joe was well known in the racing circuit and Stafford Motor Speedway was considered his second home. Over the years he and Rosemary made many friends at the track, both drivers and fans alike. He was a sports enthusiast with a great knowledge of stats, and he always enjoyed the Whalers games when they were in Hartford. Joe especially loved attending his grandchildren’s sports games and events and he was a lover of all animals. More than anything, he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather who will be forever missed by his wife Rosemary; two daughters, Lisa Iacobucci and husband John of Berlin and Renee Reis of Newington and his three adored grandchildren, Robert Reis, Jr., Alyssa Reis and John Iacobucci, III. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Ann Carone of Newington and brother-in-law, Ralph Nargi, Jr. of Windsor Locks, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hour will be Friday (October 13) from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 626 Willard Ave., Newington. Burial will be in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111. To share a memory of Joe with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.