Former St. Mark, Chalmette, deacon dies at 85

Deacon Raymond Rivere  died on Aug. 12 at age 85. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1983, serving at St. Mark Parish in Chalmette through his retirement.

Deacon Rivere was the beloved husband of 61 years to Shirley Ricks Rivere. He was the loving father of Shelly Rivere Nickolaus (Eddie), Raymond Henry Rivere Jr. and Rory Steven Rivere (Kelly); grandfather of Devin Rivere (Ashley) and Dianna Nickolaus; great grandfather of Emily Kirkpatrick, Ashton Rivere and Dylan Rivere; and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by numerous cousins and dear friends.

Deacon Rivere was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Azema Rivere; and his siblings, Nicholas Rivere, Andrew Rivere, Mabel R. Nestor, Hazel R. Reis, Agnes R. Hymel, Margie R. Overton, Mary Ann R. Blanchard, Therese “Rezzie” R. Mustacchia, Elizabeth R. Rodriguez and Patricia R. Cronic.

Born in New Orleans, Deacon Rivere was a resident of Chalmette for most of his life,  moving to Picayune, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina. He worked at BellSouth for 35 years, was a respected Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette on Aug. 22. He was buried in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.