Obituary of Ralph Robert Rivera

Ralph Robert Rivera (Roberto), 89 of Hopatcong NJ, (formerly of Boonton, NJ) passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Ralph was born in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico where he grew up until his teenage years when he moved with his family to Manhattan, NY. In his early twenties, he met his wife Huguette, establishing themselves in Boonton to raise their 4 children.

When their children were grown, they moved to Wharton for a short time ultimately retiring to Albrightsville, PA for a number of years. They later moved back to NJ to be closer to family. Ralph was a dedicated father to his 4 children and devoted husband to his wife of 63 years. Ralph worked in maintenance for the former department store J.M. Fields for many years, before closing their stores. He went on to do custodial/maintenance work for Boonton Board of Education, until his retirement in 2003. His love for the Mets, NASCAR and the Regatta boat races in Valleyfield, Quebec took him and his family on many adventures. He also enjoyed the outdoors, camping and spending time with his family.

Ralph is survived by his children Isabel (Rivera) Campbell her husband John Campbell of Dallas; Shirley (Rivera) Meier her husband Jeff Meier of Denville; Debbie (Rivera) Moore her fiance Alfred Goedeke of Hopatcong and James Rivera of Boonton; Sister Marlene (Rivera) Pabon; Brothers William Rivera, George Rivera and Hector Rivera. He was blessed with grandchildren Stephanie Moore, Jennifer Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Alicia Moore, Julia Campbell, Paige (Campbell) Boggan, Kaitlyn Meier and Emily Meier and many, many cousins nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly.

Ralph was predeceased in death by his wife Huguette (LeCuyer) Rivera, his parents Domingo Angel Rivera and Juanita (Rodriguez) Rivera, his sister Carmen (Rivera) Santiago and his granddaughter Gabrielle Campbell.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Troy Hills Nursing Home in Parsippany where he was a resident for the last several months.

Please join us as we celebrate his life on Wednesday, April 29th from 4-8 pm at Dangler Lewis & Carey Funeral Home in Boonton. The funeral mass will be held Thursday, April 30th at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church, also in Boonton. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.

Ralph was a dear friend to many and created instant connections wherever he went. His humor, joking and shenanigans will be remembered by all of his family and friends. His laughter and smile will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ralph's name to the Boonton Volunteer Fire Department, boontonfd.org or to the Dementia Society of America, dementiasociety.org