Kenneth Wayne Rivers, 81, passed away May 7, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in North Adams, MA on June 23, 1941, he was the son of the late Edward L. and Clara L. Blair Rivers.
He was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1960 graduate of St. Joseph’s Central High School. He then attended the Massachusetts State Police Academy, from which he graduated in 1975, as well as Berkshire Community College in 1979.
Mr. Rivers married the former Patricia A. Barnini on October 6, 1962 at All Soul’s Church in Pittsfield.
He was a United States Army Veteran, having served in the 338th Engineer Battalion Reserve from 1961 to 1967. He was honorably discharged on August 8, 1967 as a Sergeant E5.
Mr. Rivers was a machinist for Eaton Paper Company and also was a Patrolman for the Pittsfield Police Department from 1974 to 1986.
A communicant of St. Charles Church, he was a member of the Massachusetts State, County and Municipal Employees Association and the Massachusetts Police Association.
Ken had a great love for his daughter Kellie, son in-law, John and twin grandchildren, Hanna and Cody and he would do anything for them. He was very proud of his twins who called him “Papa”. He cherished every moment spent with them and enjoyed attending all their school functions and sports activities.
He was a self-taught carpenter and had built two barns, all types of furniture, green houses, as well as remodeling his home from top to bottom. He was also an accomplished knife maker.
He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, mushrooming, Western movies and game shows. Above all, he had a great love of God.
Mr. Rivers is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia A. Barnini Rivers. His daughter, Kellie A. Ciepiela and husband John of Windsor, MA. Twin grandchildren, Hanna Jo Ciepiela of Brighton, MA and Cody Paul Ciepiela of Windsor, MA. Sister, Sandra Barzowskas (Dan) of Pittsfield; Brother, Kevin L. Rivers of Pittsfield; Brother in-law, Daniel Barnini of Pittsfield and sister in-law, Brenda Perry of Dalton. Along with many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Dennis E. Rivers and Jonathan V. Rivers, brother in-law, Russell Perry and nephew, Marc Rivers.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held, Monday, May 22, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made out to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospital or Soldier On in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.