Ceferino R. “Sam” Rivas, a long time resident of Bristol, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016 at home with his loving wife and family by his side.  He was 93. 

Sam was the loving and devoted husband of 67 years to Maria Morales Rivas. 

Born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Jose` and Seferina Ruiz Rivas. 

Sam spent much of the beginning of his life in Puerto Rico where he met and married his wife.  In 1952 they came to the United States and were one of the first Puerto Rican families to settle down in Bristol Borough.  He led a 23 year career with Pathmark where he held various positions and also spent many years playing softball for the store’s team.  Following retirement Sam and his wife headed back to Puerto Rico to be closer to family and would later spend several years in Florida before returning to their beloved Bristol.    Sam was a devoted parishioner of St. Mark Church, an avid and talented gardener and was a dedicated Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.

Most of all he will be remembered for his warmth of heart and caring and gentle spirit.  He was the type of the person who met you once and you quickly became a friend and part of the family forever.  He was a hard worker, a jokester, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.  He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Carmen Parr and her husband, Denny; his grandson HMC Ricardo Parr, U.S.N.; his great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Logan, and Cadeon Parr; and his sisters, Mercy and Eumelia.  He also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM in St. Mark Church, 1025 Radcliffe St., Bristol, PA 19007.  His interment with military honors will take place on Wednesday December 21, 2016 at 9:00 AM in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA 18940 where relatives and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery’s office by 8:45 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Mary’s Cupboard at 100 Levittown Pkwy., Levittown, PA 19054 or to the Guardians of the National Cemetery, P.O. Box 233, Newtown, PA 18940.