Raphael G. Riverso passed away on December 12, 2017, with his family at his bedside. Ray, as he was known to many, was born in Satriano, Italy on September 1, 1923 to Vincent G. Riverso and Stella Chiaravalotti Riverso, both deceased. Raphael came to this country in 1935 where he met Nadia Ursini, who many years later, in 1952, he married. Raphael graduated from Manhattan College in 1947 with a degree in civil engineering. As a young man, Raphael served our country in the armed forces during World War II as a pilot and engineer in the United State Army Air Corps. Raphael returned to New York, where he was a General Contractor, responsible for many notable buildings and ground breaking projects throughout Westchester, Rockland, and Dutchess Counties. Raphael was extremely proud of his heritage and was responsible for the organization and running of the Westchester Columbus Day Parade during his tenor as President of the Antonio Meucci Lodge, Order of the Sons Of Italy. He was also President of the Federation of Italian American Organizations. Raphael was instrumental in bringing Italian as a language to many of the high schools in Westchester County. He was the recipient of many honors and accolades for his buildings and his contributions to his community. His greatest achievement was his family, children and grandchildren. Raphael is survived by six of his seven children and their spouses, Vincent (Denise), Stella, Raphael II, Maria Cameron (Robert), Milo (Michele) and Pia (Bruce Brigandi), and by seven grandchildren, Cara, John, Christopher, Michael, Anthony, Nadia and Peter Riverso. Raphael’s son John predeceased him in 2015, and Raphael lost his loving wife, Nadia in 1991.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in the name of Raphael Riverso to the “Columbus Citizens Foundation” payable to and should be mailed to “Columbus Citizens Foundation, Attention: Scholarship Department, 8 East 69th Street, New York, NY, 10021”. preferred.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday December 16, 2017 10AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale. Entombment Gate of Heaven Cemetery Valhalla NY. Visitation Thursday December 14, 2017 from 7-9PM and Friday December 15, 2017 from 2-5 PM and 7-9PM.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18