Robert Edward Rivell

Born January 6, 1932 in Newark, New Jersey, he was the son of the late William and Edna Rivell.

Robert had 7 children and all of them would write a different remembrance of him. But the one thing they would agree on is that he was one of a kind. He was a United States Marine first and foremost. He then became a New Jersey State Trooper which allowed him to move his family from the city of Maplewood to rural Hunterdon County, New Jersey. In the early 1960’s he decided to continue the business his Uncle John had started in Newark, Eastern Stained Glass Co. making and repairing stained glass windows ranging from Princeton Chapel to Trinity Church in lower Manhattan. When his business grew, he expanded to Rivell Construction Co. as a general contractor through his connections with the Catholic Church. His son John continues that business today as Tewksbury Construction Company.

As a father, Robert told his children stories, made them laugh, and bought them candy and ice cream. He had a sharp sense of humor and sarcasm. He could make things fun, but he also commanded respect just by his presence. He sang and whistled around the house and knew the words to every song he ever heard. He was proud of being a Cub Scout master and Little League coach to his sons and set an example by being generous to people in need.

Later in life, he made enough money to travel with his wife to every corner of the earth. After he retired, he and Barbara moved to a house on a golf course in Florida. Later, they moved to Charleston, South Carolina then to Columbia. Wherever they went, they made friends easily. Robert had a certain spark that drew people to him. All of the good that he did in his life is passed on to his children, his 22 grandchildren and his 13 great-grandchildren.

For the past 2 years since Barbara’s passing, Robert has been well taken care of by Sharon Payne (ESPEY Home Care) and her wonderful caregivers at Forest Pines. The family cannot express our gratitude enough to them. They are the living hand of God at work.

Robert is survived by his son, Dr. William Rivell (Dr. Maria Amadoz Rivell), Elizabeth Salasko (William Salasko), Susan McClam (Robert McClam), John Rivell (Doreen Rivell), Robert Rivell (Lydia Parras), Dr. James Rivell (Dr. Maria Luisa Rivell) son-in-law Gene Vanbenthyssen, along with 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Barbara Olsen Rivell, daughter Beverly Rivell, brother Raymond Rivell and sister, Eleanor Gordon.

Due to COVID precautions, a private service for the immediate family will be held, where he will be joined with his wife Barbara, at the Columbarium at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Columbia, SC.

Memorials may be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank. https://www.harvesthope.org/