Richard Byram Rivir

Rivir, Dr. Richard B. PhD age 79 of Bellbrook passed away Thursday May 3rd, 2018, surrounded by his loving family, at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell Theron Rivir and Mary Helen (Pierce) Rivir. Survivors include his lifelong partner, Awatef Hamed, PhD; children, Michael Rivir, Valerie Rivir Saurine, Matthew Rivir; grandchildren, Marita Rivir, Chloe Rivir, Matthew Kyler Saurine, Zachary Saurine; a sister, Janice Wilson and husband Bill Wilson; nephews, Bret Wilson and Eric Wilson; cousins David Pierce, Wayne Eastridge, and Don Eastridge. After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering in 1960, Dr. Rivir began his career as an aerospace engineer in the Propulsion Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. He continued his education by earning a Master of Science Degree in Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1968 and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1976. Throughout his career, Dr. Rivir has worked in the areas of electric propulsion, plans, advanced propulsion and turbines. He also served on special projects that included the design and testing of the aerodynamics for the first Airborne Laser Laboratory and the Compressor Research Facility. Additionally, he led AFOSR’s Gas Turbine Aero Thermal effort for the Propulsion Directorate for over 20 years, and is a consultant and advisor for the Department of Energy and several NASA committees for space and propulsion. Dr. Rivir was an invited Scholar on separated flows and heat transfer in the Thermo Sciences Department at Stanford University in 1989. During his career, Dr. Rivir has earned many awards and honors, including the S.D. Heron Award, Aero Propulsion and Power Directorate, 1988 and 1995; the Outstanding Engineer and Scientist Award, Affiliate Societies Council, 1999; the AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award (National), 2002; the Outstanding Aerospace Alumni Award, Purdue University, 2006; Outstanding Tau Beta Pi Alumni, 2010; and the Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award, Purdue University, 2011. Dr. Rivir is an AFRL Fellow and a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also served on the Advisory Boards of Purdue University, The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, and the von Karman Institute. Dr. Richard Rivir served as the final Chief Scientist for the Propulsion Directorate from 2010 to 2012. Dr. Rivir, a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives, is the Senior Scientist for Aircraft Propulsion Systems, Aerospace Systems Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Funeral Services 10 AM Thursday May 10, 2018 at Christ United Methodist Church 3440 Shroyer Rd. Kettering, Ohio 45429 with Pastor Barry DeShetler officiating. Burial in Economy Cemetery in Economy, Indiana. Friends may call from 4-7 pm Wednesday May 9, 2018 at the Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel 5471 Far Hills Ave (at the intersection of Far Hills and Rahn Rd), Dayton, OH 45429. On line condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com