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