Raffael “Ralph” G. Riverso of Valley Cottage, NY, 84 years old, passed away on April 24, 2021, surrounded by his family. Ralph was born on March 5, 1937 to Giuseppe and Maria (Maida) Riverso. He grew up in the Bronx where he attended Theodore Roosevelt High School. He had fond memories of playing football and spending time with The Barons and friends. He graduated from New York University and attended Fordham Law School before becoming a member of the New York Stock Exchange. He was also in the Army Reserves. He was a 54 year resident of Valley Cottage where he raised his children
and was active in local politics later in life.
Ralph was proud of his Italian heritage and of being a New Yorker. He was a great cook- his lasagna and chicken cutlets were family favorites. He didn’t always like help in the kitchen, unless it involved rolling dozens of mini meatballs, but was happy to have you watch and learn. He enjoyed going to the movies, tracking stocks, taking trips to Arthur Avenue, and managing his fantasy hockey team. He was an avid Rangers and Yankees fan, but his greatest joys came from his family. His happiest times were during the
holidays when the house was bursting with his children and grandchildren. He lit up the room when he smiled and made everyone laugh without even trying.
He is survived by: his sister Maria Catherine Riverso; his children and their spouses, Louis and Jeannette(Klepp) Riverso, Gina and Carl Sundvik, Deanna and Matthew Levine, Ralph Riverso, Jr., Katie and Steven Roessler, Michele and Jarad Lucan, Kristen and Brian Duffy, and Nicole Riverso. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ava, Nate, Lucas, and Caroline Riverso; Lindsey, Emma, and Trevor Sundvik; Evan, Noah, and Simon Levine; Nolan, Grant, and Hannah Roessler; Parker and Chase Lucan; and Claire and Colin Duffy. He was predeceased by: his parents; his sister, Columbina; his first wife, Vera (Accurti) Riverso; and his second wife, Susan (Scherer) Riverso. Ralph was always there for his
family and friends, taking life’s ups and downs in stride and handling adversity with a
smile whenever he could. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, May 2nd from 3-7 pm at Higgins Funeral Home; 113 lake Rd East Congers, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 3rd at 10am at St. Paul’s Church in Congers, NY, followed by interment at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Nanuet, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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