SSG (Ret) Gregory Andrew "Greg" Rivera

March 1, 1969 - October 16, 2020

Gregory Andrew “Greg” Rivera, son of John Henry Rivera and Mary Catherine Saggio, was born March 1, 1969 in Laramie, Wyoming. As a young boy, Greg grew up in Wyoming, except for a period of time when he and his family moved to Surrey, British Columbia, Canada before coming back to Wyoming. Shortly after graduating from high school, Greg entered the United States Army. He served his country from February 22, 1989 until his retirement on February 29, 2012 after 23 years of service. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and for his faithful service, he earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army achievement Medal (4th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/2 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM), Iraq Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), NATO Medal (3rd Award), Combat Action Badge, Marksmanship Badge w/Rifle-Pistol Bar, and Driver and Mechanic Badge w/Driver-Wheeled Vehicle Clasp. Greg went on to further his education while in the military and attended Central Texas College where he earned his Associate’s Degree. After retiring from the military, Greg continued serving his country as an employee for the federal government. He worked for BRTRC, CAC1 and US1 as a Systems Tech IV. On May 6, 2009, Greg was united in marriage to Jill Marie Gertin in Vienna, Missouri. They shared over 11 years of marriage together. In his spare time, Greg enjoyed being outdoors. You could find him either riding his motorcycle, mountain biking, or cycling. He was a very adventurous person and enjoyed doing these activities in different parts of the country. Greg and Jill also enjoyed traveling to different countries and tried to make a trip at least once a year. Greg passed away Friday, October 16, 2020 at his home having attained the age of 51 years, 7 months and 15 days. Greg will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Greg leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Jill Rivera of the home; mother: Mary Saggio of Cheyenne, WY; father: John Rivera of Cheyenne, WY; three children: Tae Rivera of Rolla, MO, Jessica Rivera of Cheyenne, WY and Kenneth Rivera of Mexico; two sisters: Valerie Rivera and Cherri Rivera, both of Cheyenne, WY; one brother: Daniel Rivera of Cheyenne, WY; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Greg was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Annie and Henry Rivera; maternal grandparents: Edna and Charles Saggio; and one grandson: Preston Webber. Services with military honors were held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2020 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. The songs “Time in a Bottle”, “Jealous of the Angels” and “Go Rest High on that Mountain” were played. Military honors were provided by the United States Army and Missouri Honors Team. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gregory Rivera and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.