Robert Rivera

Robert Rivera, retired Executive Secretary of the New York State Board for Radiologic Technology and a popular figure in the Capital District community, died on September 4, 2010 in Albany, New York. He was 63 years old. "Goodtimes Bobby, " as he was affectionately known, ended his struggle with cancer at home, surrounded by his loving family and the many friends and acquaintances he made during a life filled with cultural and civic activities.

Robert Rivera was born and raised in the Bronx, New York on January 7, 1947. He was raised by a strong-willed and loving single mom in the South Bronx and grew up - he liked to say - with the idea that failure was not an option in his life. In August 1964 he enlisted in the Navy and served in Vietnam aboard the USS John R. Craig. Robert was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy he met his wife Nellie, and in December 28, 1974 they exchanged vows. Together they raised three children -- Ismael "Izzy," a retired NYC police detective; Nelson, currently residing in Philadelphia and raising two children; and Camille, "baby girl" as Bobby referred to her, a licensed radiological technologist.

Robert, himself a licensed radiological technologist, was trained at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City and in 1979 graduated from Manhattan College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He dedicated 15 years of service to the Veterans Administration Hospital before joining the NYS Dept of Health where he served for 27 years in the Bureau of Environmental Health/Radiation Protection. Robert retired in 2009.

Robert served on the Boards of the American Cancer Society, Hispanic Outreach Services and Centro Civico of Albany. Robert also lent his support and gift for fund raising to the South American Spanish Association, Troy Boys and Girls Club, Circle of Life for Children's Diabetes, Big Brother and Big Sister of Albany and the Back Stretch Workers of the Saratoga Racetrack. But perhaps none of these activities provided the level of satisfaction that Robert derived each Christmas when he dressed up as Santa Claus on behalf of the children of Centro Civico of Albany. His participation in the community was so extensive that his Latino friends often referred to him as "El Alcalde" -- The Mayor -- a title that his good friend Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings was proud to share with Robert.

Robert loved music and relished moments in the limelight when he lent his raspy vocals to an onstage performance by local musicians. For a time, "Hi, This is Good Times Bobby" was heard each week over the FM airwaves when he hosted a latin music radio program in Albany. Whether dancing to a mambo, cha, cha cha or to the rhythm and blues of Motown, Bobby often made the entire dance floor his partner. Like his dancing, his enthusiasm, energy and love of life were boundless and, as his friends can attest, contagious.


Robert is survived by his devoted wife Nelida Rivera, recently retired from the NYS Dept of Corrections; his son Ismael and wife, Evelyn; his son Nelson and grandchildren Antonio and Emily; his daughter Camille; his sister Belky Cruz; his brother Ricardo "Ricky" Suarez and sister-in-law Laura; his mother-in-law Basilisa; brother-in-law Manuel, grandchildren "Jay Jay" and Nelson Jr. and his nephew Carlos Suarez Jr.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday 9:00am from New Comer Cannon Funeral Home at 343 New Karner Road, Colonie then to St. Madeline Sophie, Guilderland where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am. Calling hours will be Wednesday 4:00 to 8:00pm at the funeral home. Robert will be buried at the St. Raymond's Cemetery in Bronx, NY. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com