Roland Allen Rivera

Roland Rivera, age 61, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at his home with the

greatest of loving care given by his wife, son, step-son and longtime friend Janice Lee, RN. Roland was

born in Washington, District of Columbia, on February 20, 1963 to Ismael Rivera from Caguas, Puerto

Rico, and Hazel Welch Rivera, Ironsides, Maryland. Roland was always excited to share his adventures

and experiences of living in various countries as the son of a US Diplomat. His parents always made sure

their children were given every opportunity to have great experiences as they traveled and relocated

throughout the world.

Roland was beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication and commitment to his

family, his church, and his career was inspiring.

Roland attended high school in Fort Washington, Maryland, before attending UNC Charlotte. He

received a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies, but his love for all things technical prompted him to

later complete a degree in computer engineering. His career eventually took his family to Connecticut as

it evolved through many facets. He finished his career as a dedicated QA Specialist in the pharmaceutical

industry. At the end of his ability to drive, he would work from home, giving everything he possibly could

to be there for his colleagues.

Most recently, while living in Connecticut, he loved going to Yankees games, spending time with friends,

and snow skiing. Roland loved to sing and always participate in the music ministries at his church. He

loved spending time working on cars with his sons, a love he developed in his high school years, while

spending time in his Uncle John’s garage.

Roland was preceded in death by his father, Ismael Rivera, mother, Hazel Welch Rivera, and mother-in-

law, Martha Phillips. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice Rivera, one son, Josh Rivera of Providence,

RI, and one stepson, Shaun Harmon of Zionville, NC. Roland is also survived by his sister, Patricia Rivera

of Gibsonville, NC, brother, Ken Rivera (Kim) of Gastonia, NC, father-in-law, Bill Phillips, and brother –in-

law, Alan Phillips (Pam) of Zionville, NC, 4 Nieces, 1 Nephew, 6 great nieces and 7 great nephews as well

as a great number of faithful, praying friends.

Services for Roland will be on Saturday, August 17, at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home in Boone, NC.

Reception will begin at 11 A.M. and the funeral service will begin at 12 P.M. Burial will follow in the

Mtn. Dale Church Cemetery, Mtn. Dale Rd. Vilas, NC. Officiating the service will be Duane Cutlip of

Raleigh, NC, and graveside contribution by Eric Cornett of Vilas, NC.

Memorials may be made to Transitions Life Care, Hospice online at

https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/ , or by mail at 250 Hospice Circle | Raleigh, NC

27607

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Rivera family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roland Allen Rivera, please visit our floral store.