Richard Earl Rivera, 79, of Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood—a retired interior designer, much-loved doorman and proud Vietnam War Veteran—passed away gently, surrounded by the love of family, on Dec. 19.
Born in Chicago, Richard graduated from Lane Technical High School and entered the U.S. Navy from 1965-69 in the legal office of the U.S.S. Forestall aircraft carrier. In 1967, Richard was injured in an onboard explosion, requiring reconstructive dentistry. Richard loved his time in the Navy and enjoyed traveling the world. He would have happily served longer on the ship, instead of the mainland desk job to which he was later assigned.
Upon returning to Chicago, he attended classes at Wright Junior College and then worked as interior designer for over 20 years with his cousin Bob Kuttler. The duo ran a workshop at Clark and Lunt in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, producing custom-made and -designed drapery, upholstery, cornices, and balances. After his 2012 “retirement” Richard enjoyed a second career as a well-liked doorman at 720 W. Gordon Terrace until his second retirement in January 2025.
In 1991, Richard first met the man he would marry. The relationship became romantic the following year and Sam moved into Richard’s condo in Lake View. The couple traveled all over the United States and visited Spain in 2024; hosted frequent Halloween, New Years Eve and other holiday parties; and were regulars at Jacqueline’s, a much-loved neighborhood tavern at Broadway and Roscoe.
Richard enjoyed listening to American oldies and was an avid reader of fiction, mainly horror by Anne Rice and the Preston & Child series. He watched British crime and murder mysteries on PBS and collected Lalique crystal and Egyptian art.
Richard is survived by Sam Patrick Moore, his devoted and beloved spouse of 10 years (together for 33).
He was the beloved eldest brother of Billie (Larry) Appleby of San Tan Valley, Arizona; Maryanne (James, Sr.) Stowell of Lake in the Hills; Celestino “Sal” (Susan) Rivera, Jr. of Addison; and Ramona Rivera of Des Moines, Iowa.
Loving uncle and great-uncle of many. Dear cousin of Denise and Robert Kuttler and others. Preceded in death by parents Celestino Mendez Rivera, Sr. and Elsie Delores Rivera (nee Gwinnup) and by Louie and Odin the dachshunds.
Richard expressly stated that there was to be no funeral or memorial event. The family has selected a private cremation, and cremated remains will be dispersed on Lake Michigan under favorable weather.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), a cause close to Richard’s heart as he and Sam attended AVER banquets for at least a decade: https://www.averchicago.org/.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.