Michael J. Rivers, 75, of West Side Terrace, West Carthage, passed away early Sunday morning, March 3, 2024 at his home where he was under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Michael was born April 15,1948 in Carthage, the son of the late Charles and Wilma (Covey) Rivers. He was a 1966 graduate of Augustinian Academy in Carthage. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War from May of 1967 to November of 1970.  Michael was employed as an electrician originally with the Crown Zellerbach Corp and retired after 44 years from Metro Paper.

Dad was a simple man who enjoyed his hobbies, helping others, and was well-versed in various fields. He was a member of American Legion Post 789, a skilled electrician, a self-taught carpenter, had a passion for cooking, enjoyed watching TV, and was an avid reader. He loved reading mystery novels, watching British TV shows, helping wire and remodel houses, making his famous clam chowder, and was a life-long New York Yankees fan. Dad truly was a jack of all trades and had hobbies that kept him happy, especially in retirement. However, the biggest mark he left on the world was his kindness. He spread kindness wherever he went, whether it was helping a friend, telling a witty joke, donating to multiple charities, or just being an all-around nice guy. He strived to make the world a better place and did this through kindness and compassion for others. Making people feel happy was a joy of dad's but his greatest accomplishment was his family. He loved his children and grandchildren with every fiber of his being. Family was the most important aspect of dad's life, and he never missed an opportunity to be a part of their lives. He was a great role-model, listener, teacher, and supporter. His legacy will live on through his daughters, grandchildren, and all the lives he touched.

Surviving are his daughters: Patricia (John) Downs - Waynesboro, PA; Andrea (Kyle) Rutigliano - Hounsfield, NY; grandchildren: Hunter Downs and Ava Rutigliano; sisters: Evelyn Rivers - East Syracuse, NY, Janet Rivers – Merced, California, Janice Moody -San Antonio, TX, Joanne (Robert) Sanders - Carthage, NY, Christine (Bruce) Montgomery, Carthage, NY; a brother: Allan (Penny) Rivers - Carthage, NY; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a son Michael Rivers Jr who died September 9, 1987; sisters Nancy Solazzo and Mary Crabbe and brothers Gary Rivers, Thomas Rivers, and Charles Rivers.

We would like to thank Melinda Abbott for her exceptional care in dad's final days, along with Hospice of Jefferson County.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in dad's name to Grace Episcopal Church - Carthage, NY or Hospice of Jefferson County.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in the Spring at Fairview Cemetery, Carthage. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.