William Anthony "Tony" Rivers

Following a valiant fight against cancer, William Anthony “Tony” Rivers, transitioned to be embraced by the eternal musical rhythm of the universe on August 28, 2023. Tony’s enduring love and extensive knowledge of classical music and composers was a constant that enriched and invigorated his spirit throughout his life.

He was the first of three sons born to George and Anita (Meares) Rivers in Greensboro, NC on June 15, 1941. After graduating from the Alice Freeman Palmer Memorial Institute, a preparatory school for African American youth located in Sedalia, NC, Tony attended North Carolina A & T State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Engineering in 1966. He continued graduate studies in Art at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His professional career began with the Model Cities Project in Winston-Salem, NC in the area of landscape architecture. After moving to Washington, DC, Tony worked with several consulting firms before finding his true passion of teaching area youth. When he returned to his native Greensboro, he worked for Guilford County Schools, from where he retired. In retirement, Tony presented lectures to share his depth of knowledge on Jewish philosophy.

Tony’s exuberant personality will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, and his absence will be filled with countless loving memories shared by his children Lisa Rivers Nolen, Alex Rivers (Semra Ercin), Stephanie Rivers Phillips (Michael Phillips), and Aaron Rivers; grandchildren, Samara, Charlie, Shilah, Charlotte, and Olivia; step-grandchildren Bethany, Ellie, and Roman; brother Robert Rivers; former spouses Olivia Skipper Rivers and Deborah Henschel Rivers; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Rivers.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road, Greensboro, NC at 12 PM on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Following the service from 2 - 4 PM, the family invites friends to share their stories of Tony at Gia (1941 New Garden Road, Ste. 208, Greensboro).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in his name to any of the following organizations which provided care, comfort, and inspiration to Tony and his family: Cone Health, ATTN: Gift Processor, 1200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401 for the Alight Patient Care Fund which provides financial assistance to cancer patients in need; Beacon Place, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 to support hospice care; or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGreensboro.com for the Rivers family.