Glendon P. "Glenn" Rivera

Glendon P. “Glenn” Rivera, 87, of Hooversville, passed away at his home on March 10, 2023, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor and Erva (Weible) Rivera; wife of 45 years, the former Janet E. Corbett; brother Harold Rivera; sisters Gertrude Rivera, Shirley Kelly, and Lola Lee Rivera; and nephew godson Ronald Rivera.

Born June 17, 1935, in Stoystown, Glenn grew up in the small town of Wilbur, where everyone knew everyone, and his buddies referred to him as Glendy. “Glendy” delivered newspapers on foot until he saved up enough money to purchase a bicycle, which he shared with his siblings so they, too, could have the pleasure of riding up and down the streets.

Glenn attended Shade-Central City High School and was a member of the Class of 1954. He worked at Oaks Poultry in Hooversville while in high school and was drafted into the military at age 23. He couldn’t have been prouder to have answered that call. Glenn completed basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, serving in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War, from 1958 through 1962. Throughout the rest of his life, he would regard one of his favorite songs as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and one of his favorite holidays as Memorial Day. Placing the wreath at the Stoystown Memorial Day service was a meaningful opportunity that he looked forward to every year.

Glenn leaves behind a large, loving family who will forever miss his smile and his good company. He is survived by his children: Adriane (Michael) Revak, Heather (Bryan) Brougher, Carlynn (Eugene “Butch”) Evans, Roslynn (Daniel) Kaltenbaugh, Tony (Lisa) Strasiser, and Stacy (Wade) Rozier; grandchildren: Tyler (Miranda) and Tanner (Aubrey Stull) Revak, Brennan and Eli Brougher, Lindsey (Chris) Chappel, Kara (Jacob) Boehner, Danny Kaltenbaugh, Max, Tony (Elyse), and Gus Strasiser, and Kade, Kory, and Grace Rozier; great-grandchildren: Fetzer and Finn Revak, Aaron and Ayla Chappel, Ellis Boehner, and Arbor Strasiser; sister Gloria (John) Fleegle; brother Ronald “Punch” (Elaine) Rivera; brother-in-law Fred (Marilyn) Corbett; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

As a father, Glenn was kind, reliable, and supportive. If one of his children approached him with a question or needed advice or words of encouragement, Glenn was always ready to sit down, sip on his Diet Pepsi, and talk. When his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, he cultivated a special bond with each of them. Glenn enjoyed spending time with his entire family and expressing his love in any way he could—calling them on the phone, sending birthday cards in the mail, and supporting their personal and professional endeavors. 

When Glenn was younger, he played softball alongside his brother and many good friends from Wilbur. He joined softball leagues across Somerset County and ended his softball career as coach of Rocking R, a team that was part of the Roof Garden Softball League. Glenn also loved watching sports; when his grandchildren played for the North Star Cougars, he was always in the stands, cheering them on. An avid Steelers fan, Glenn was present at the December 1972 game when Franco Harris made football history . . . Glenn, however, left his seat when the Immaculate Reception occurred, so he liked to share the story about how he had to venture to the nearest club in Pittsburgh to watch the replay.

Glenn enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: sitting down to read a good book (John Grisham was one of his favorite authors), feeding the birds, cutting the grass, and hunting with his brother-in-law Fred. He kept a pair of binoculars handy so he could look for turkeys, deer, and other wildlife on his property. Glenn also liked to cook; as the son of a Mexican immigrant, Glenn was proud of his heritage and often cooked traditional Mexican dishes, including his signature enchiladas. In the summer of 2008, he traveled to Mexico to meet some of his relatives; what an unforgettable experience that was for him.

Glenn not only took pride in his cars (the interiors were spotless, and there was rarely a car wash he’d pass up) but also in how he presented himself. He liked to dress well and was always so particular about how he looked. (Those who knew Glenn well can probably hear him saying in response to this, “You got that right!”)

Glenn’s career was spent working for the United States Postal Service. As a clerk and a mailman, he served Hooversville, Stoystown, Cairnbrook, and Johnstown before being appointed Post Master at Cairnbrook Post Office and then Stoystown Post Office. He enjoyed working in the post office—it allowed him to catch up with his friends and get to know his neighbors.

He and his family took many memorable trips together over the years. Las Vegas was quite a thrill because he reveled in the casino atmosphere and the chance to win big playing the slots and Three Card Poker. One of his favorite destinations was Ocean City, Maryland, because he loved being on the beach.

Glenn was a people person, and that was reflected in his involvement throughout his community. He was a member of the Hooversville Volunteer Fire Department, Quemahoning Rod and Gun Club, Masonic Lodge #358, T.P.A., Postmasters Association, and Stoyestown Area Historical Society. He also served as Deputy Sheriff for Somerset County.

Glenn took good care of his wife, “Bubba,” before she passed away in September 2021. Losing her left him with a broken heart, but he found solace in the presence of their loyal canine companion and rescue dog, Rusty. When Glenn wasn’t sitting on the couch with Rusty in his lap, he and the terrier mix would go on walks and car rides. They went everywhere together, and Glenn was sometimes known to refuse to leave the house for an extended period because he didn’t want Rusty to be alone.

Following Janet’s passing, Glenn began regularly attending Otterbein United Methodist Church, where he’d sit in the pew with his sister every Sunday morning and listen to Pastor Joe’s inspirational sermons.

Glenn’s family would like to thank Pastor Joseph Caola of Otterbein United Methodist Church as well as Windber Home Health and Windber Hospice for their kindness, care, and support.

A Celebration of Life and Legion Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Stoystown American Legion. “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be sung, and the Somerset County Honor Guard will perform military rites. The family is accepting donations in Glenn’s name to the Stoystown American Legion (P.O. Box 261, Stoystown, PA 15563). American Legion Post #257 was a big part of Glenn’s life, and his lifelong involvement with this Post as both a board member and treasurer speaks to his commitment to this organization, his unwavering patriotism, and the pride he felt as a military veteran. Glenn’s and Janet’s ashes will be combined in honor of their love and admiration for one another and scattered at a beach on or around Memorial Day.

Glenn has been “Returned to Sender,” and he’ll be missed deeply and remembered lovingly by all who knew him.

Arrangements were entrusted to Deaner Funeral Home, Stoystown. DeanerFuneralsAndCremations.com.

Obituary composed by Words for Loss. www.wordsforloss.com.