Rob was one of my 5--always in my corner, a trusted confidante. I met Rob in the early 90's when he was going through cancer treatments. He attended a support group I facilitated -POSITIVE OUTLOOK. Rob went on to finish his cancer regimen , achieved remission and continued on in his music career. In the early 2000's my son was a student at Starkweather Elementary -and had just started trumpet lessons. He comes home from school one day and wondered how Mr. Rivera knew that he hadn't practiced with the trumpet--LOL!! I sent Sean to school the next day with a note for Mr. Rivera asking if he was the Rob I knew from Springfield Hospital--well Rob called that evening and we have been friends ever since! He also encouraged my daughter Megan to play the violin and flute and was thrilled when she also started playing the keyboard! Rob would bring his Mom and Pug Buddies to our home and we would order meatball parm pizza , sip wine and watch the deer and fox--Carmen loved my backyard! Rob came to many parties in Pleasant Grove but I know his favorites were the Graduation parties where he would hang out with his grown up students and they all adored him! My favorite memory of Rob was being in the music room before the Winter and Spring concerts--he was busy calming nerves, adjusting the young boys ties, giving pep talks--then the Leader of the Band and his elementary entourage would enter the auditorium and wow the crowd with their performance! My last visit with Rob he encouraged me to have my granddaughter Lexi start playing the flute - I will keep that promise (P.S.-Thanks for the flute Rob--you are the Best) Rest Easy Sweet Music Man--May your beautiful music guide your Spirit to the Heavens. Love you always, Michele xo

Rob was my neighbor - once a stranger that had become family..

He was a man of strong faith and perserverence always lifting me up with his wise words regarding life and us going through cancer. He did everything for his neighbors; we literally called him the "Mayor of Nottingham." Rob lived a simple but meaningful life. Everything he did was selfless- he always put others first (including complete strangers. He loved his dog Bee-Bee and all his previous dogs, playing his saxophone, spending time down by the creek, and most of all helping others. He played the sax at my Dads burial two years ago and it gave everyone chills. He was truly so talented. He did this often for so many out of the kindness of his heart - never asked anyone for a dime. I know you were greeted by your wonderful Mother and are truly at peace and out of pain. You were truly special Rob, will be missed around here. We love you!

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26

Rob was truly my best friend. Saw him working with young musicians at Henderson H.S.

and my own daughter, Liz was one of those students. She was deeply affected by Mr. Rivera as

a powerful teacher of music- always positive and caring.

Rob and I played together in a jazz quintet and shared lots of musical experiences together over

the years. I’ll miss him- what a guy!

Jack Kinslow

Rob was a great friend and neighbor to me.Always so kind and caring to me and my family. He would always take up my trash cans stop talk and visit.He was a wonderful son to his beloved Mother. His love of his music and trumpet could be heard in the neighborhood.He was such a great dog Daddy to all his pugs.Rob you were a true warrior and fought the good fight my friend.Never giving up.You will surely be missed on Nottingham Court. It won't be the same.Rest in the heavenly kingdom of God.Now free of pain.

From District 161 Office: we are saddened to hear of Rob's passing. Such an interesting man and a kind man - we will miss seeing his smiling face in our office. He brought BB in - it was obvious how much he loved and spoiled BB. We are much better people for having met him.

Rob was our neighbor since we moved next door to him in 2012. I will always remember him playing music with his back door open and taking the pup down to play music at the creek nearby in the cool summer evenings. He loved his mother and his pups. Rob also formed a special bond with both of our children (Joey & Juliana) who he would leave treats out front for daily (sometimes twice a day). Rob will truly be missed by so many people, especially his friends on Nottingham Court.

I met Rob in 2023 through a group I was facilitating. Him and his trusty sidekick Bebe. We had many in-depth conversations about his life, his mother whom he loved dearly and his love for music, and of course Bebe. Rob had such a calmness about him and I attribute this to his love of his faith, his friends and his family and his journey with Cancer. My only regret is that I didn't hug him longer the last time I saw him in March 2024, and to tell him how my time with him touched my heart and that I will always remember him with great respect. I am hoping that his beloved Bebe will be well taken care of and supported during this time of transition. May you be blessed Rob, and I am hoping you enjoying some beautiful music with your mom.