Richard L. Rivera
LEIPSIC - Richard L. Rivera, 82, of Columbus and formerly of Leipsic, died at 4:02 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2020 at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus due to complications of COVID-19. His namesake, Richard Cervantes, died the same day 24 years ago. Richard was born April 3, 1938 in San Antonio, TX to the late Ignacio and Juanita (Garcia-Rodriguez) Rivera. He married his wife Mary Lou in 1964. She preceded him in death on January 16, 2013.
Richard is survived by four brothers: Arturo Rivera, David Rivera, Rick Rodriguez, and Miguel Rodriguez, two sisters: Susie Carreño and Stella Baldazo, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, and great-great-great nieces and great-great-great nephews.
He is preceded in death by a brother: Arthur Rodriguez, and four sisters: Minerva Garcia, Margarita Rivera, Juanita Nieto, and Rachel Cervantes.
Richard was a 1959 graduate of Leipsic High School and an Air Force veteran. He was a mechanical technician, and retired from several companies in the Columbus area, Westinghouse, Electrolux, and Limbach. Richard always had a ready smile for everyone. He enjoyed helping others, fishing, walking, and eating. His favorite food was pizza, and he loved chocolate.
Richard's burial will take place at a later date in Dayton National Cemetery with full military honors. Local arrangements are by LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic.
Memorial contributions may be given to the COVID-19 Direct Relief 6100 Wallace Becknell Road Santa Barbara, California 93117.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com