Mark L. Rivard, 60, of Ashford, passed away on November 12, 2019. He was born in Hartford, a son of the late Arthur K. Rivard Sr. and Patricia A. (Seiler) Rivard of East Hartford. He was a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for over 39 years and recently achieved his 1 Million Mile Recognition. He was a Communicant of St. Philip Church. Mark was a proud United States Marine stationed in Beirut, Lebanon during the bombing of the U.S. Embassy and attained the rank of Lance Corporal. He was a past Connecticut State Department Commander of the Disabled American Veterans and founding member of DAV Chapter 53 in the Quiet Corner. Mark was passionate about helping others, including veterans. His constant positivity was contagious, and he would always make the best out of every situation, no matter how difficult. Mark was family-oriented and worked hard to create a strong, loving, and supportive family. His talkative nature opened him up to many friendships, from all walks of life. If there was something Mark would want others to remember from his passing, it would be his saying, “Be a leader, not a follower.” He is survived by his beloved wife, Louise E. (Whitford) Rivard, his three loving daughters, Amanda Holden and her husband Matthew and Jacqueline Dettore and her husband Brian, all of Stafford Springs and Rachel Rivard of MA., two brothers Dr. Arthur K. Rivard Jr. and his wife Dr. Cherie Rivard of Danville, KY and Gerald Rivard of East Hartford, sister Denise Benavides and her husband Larry of Wauchula, FL, two treasured and adored grandchildren, Conner Jeffrey Holden and Logan Mark Holden and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Monday November 18, 2019 at 11AM at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT, followed by burial with military honors, in Rose Hill Cemetery, 580 Elm St., Rocky Hill, CT. Visiting hours at the funeral home are Sunday November 17, 2019 from 1PM-5PM and Monday from 10AM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to DAV Chapter 53, 432 Turnpike Rd., Ashford, CT 06278. For more information, to leave an online condolence, or view Mark’s Everlasting Memorial Video Tribute, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com
