Darrel A. Rivenburg

Darrel A. Rivenburg of Colonie, NY, died peacefully at his home on January 22, 2025. He was surrounded by love from his wife Linda and his children.

He was born February 4, 1932, to the late Charles and Lelah (Whitbeck/Palmer) in Richmondville, NY. He was raised in Schoharie County and as a child began working on the family farm which helped to shape his character and create a strong work ethic which included dependability and appreciation for hard work. It would later include building a variety of skills and doing things creatively and resourcefully.

Darrel served in the US Army in Germany during the Korean War, which helped to promote a love and respect for America through the generations of his children and grandchildren.

He worked for many years as a mechanic at Cartwright Ford and numerous service stations, including a few that he managed/operated. Darrel owned and operated several businesses including a laundromat, and several apartment buildings. His last job before retiring was supervising/managing several locations in the Colonie area of Hoffman’s Carwash.

He was a long-time resident of Latham, NY, and lived in Sarasota FL for a few years. Returning to Colonie, NY, he resided there for more than 45 years. Darrel and his wife Linda loved to spend winters in Florida. For 25 years, first in Winter Garden, Fl and then in Lady Lake, they called Florida home. It was very satisfying to have lifelong friends who also were “snowbirds” from the capital region of NY, living near them in Florida.

Among his passions the one he participated in as much as possible was flea markets and yard sales, both as a buyer and seller. This endeavor brought him in contact with many people and helped him maintain connections with several lifelong friends.

Darrel’s greatest joy was his family. He was married to the late Lorraine (Stevens) for almost 40 years, with whom he had 9 children. He also got to experience a long and happy marriage for a second time with his wife Linda (New) for the past 33 ½ years. He took great joy in hosting family gatherings in his backyard. Darrel and Lorraine also double-dated with several of their children, which served to “check out” their potential mates. They set an example of what a loving couple is and how parents can be successful when raising their children. He also loved and cherished his grandchildren who also loved him.

Darrel was predeceased by his sisters Jennie (Hillicoss), Idabelle (Mulberry), LuDora (Warner), Jeanette (Morehouse), Bernice (Robitaille) and brothers Adelbert Palmer, Gilbert Palmer, and Elden Rivenburg. He was also predeceased by a daughter Darlene (O’Neil) and a son, Larry.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda, children Thomas, Jerry (Donna), Christine (John), Sharon, June, Linda (Jim), Terri, Cory Hayward and Casey Hayward (Vanessa). Also surviving to continue his legacy is 29 grandchildren, more than 55 great-grandchildren and several great, grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Edie (Stevens), many nieces, nephews and several cousins. 

Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 11:00am - 12:00 pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:00pm at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie NY 12205. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie NY. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Darrel's name to Community Hospice or to the Colonie Fire Department.