Winding Down a Hard Year

My last post was just few days before starting a new job.  A lot has happened since then, and I haven't felt like writing. 

After failing noticably over the summer, Grandad developed a urinary tract infection in early September and was in the hospital and nursing facilities for 3 weeks before he passed away at age 88.  (I posted pictures and his obituary separately.)  I'm glad that you guys saw him at a July 4th party at Aunt Julie and Mark's house - when he was weak, but managed ok on a lovely day with the entire family.  Below is a grandchild picture from that summer day.  As you know, he lost core strength and mobility, plus developed some dementia, over the past 2-3 years.  We are blessed that he had little pain and handled the Parkinson's symptoms with as much grace as I think anyone can.  Thanks to you both for spending a couple days in Wyncote & Philadelphia last month to celebrate his life.  The memorial service at Old Swedes was lovely and so sad.  It's hard to say goodbye; I will never forget the burial of his ashes with his red stole around the urn.  I know you will miss him too.  Rob, I'm happy that you have Grandad's watch.  Overall, I'm relieved for Grandad that he is free from his earthly body.  I firmly believe is reunited with Uncle Dick, GrandNana and Great Grandad, feeling well and spending time outdoors.

In mid-November, Steve had surgery to repair 3 hernias.  The surgery seems to have been a success, thankfully!  It was certainly painful and still limiting, but Steve is glad to have gotten this behind him now rather than when he's older.  It has been a hectic, tiring year for him at AllOne Health.  

I've been working at MetLife for 7 months now; thinking about it now, this seems like an accomplishment.  My transition has been stressful - adjusting to a new company, team, boss, and job responsibilities with so much learn.  If possible (which it may not be), I'd suggest that you avoid significant career changes late in your working lives.  

Alex, you are wrapping up a super demanding, exhausting year at James Hardie Industries, which aquired AZEK early this summer.  One of your HR colleagues transferred to another plant, and it then took more than 6 months to replace her.  The bad news is that you worked excessive hours during most of 2025, including some business trips.  On the other hand, you learned new stuff and are just starting a 2-week Christmas / New Year's vacation.  Plus your kitty Luna and her now quite-large kitten Ajax are both doing well.

Rob, I'm grateful that you joined me for a final trip to Webster in late May.  Over a busy weekend, we spent time at 14 Hill Street with Jon Dodge to go through family photos, etc.  We brought back an antique lawyer's bookcase and, fortunately, Steve's truck with all its parts (which another family staying at our Connecticut hotel could not say, since shortly before we checked out they discovered that all 4 wheels had been stolen from their sedan overnight).  I had another sad day about 2 weeks ago when the Webster property - a lovely lot with a duplex built in 1900 by your great, great, great grandparents Andrew Walker and Mary Ellen Tester Walker - was sold.  Many wonderful memories of visits with Edie and Jon, who are your honorary grandparents.  You and Oren are back from Syracuse now and it seems likely you will not return to ESF, which is a disappointment - but there will be other opportunities to pursue.  In the meantime, Oren is getting reacquainted with Stosh (a sensitive, often cranky kitty) and having fun playing with Grimm.

I expect we'll have a quiet Christmas this year, followed by a Kerr (Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob's family) and Rivers get-together at the Harvey's Lake Grotto and some time at Lake Jean cabins.  Grammie has been doing ok and will be spending Christmas with Aunt Di and Uncle Lawrence at Ricketts Glen.  Both Grandad and Steve's brother Joe will be missing from family gatherings this year.  Here's a picture of our real Christmas tree taken last week, complete with Stosh.

Your Grandfather, Reverend David Rivers

 

David Buchanan Rivers

1937 – 2025

Reverend David B Rivers passed into eternal life on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Wyncote Pennsylvania, following a long illness.

Born May 22, 1937, in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of Reverend Burke Rivers and Phyllis McCausland Rivers, who predeceased him. A brother, Richard Rivers, also preceded him in death.

David Rivers spent his childhood largely in Johnson City, New York and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where his father was the priest serving All Saints Church, Johnson City and St Stephen's Church, Wilkes-Barre. He loved vacations on the Maine coast with his family. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary, Kingston and Haverford College. After teaching English at The Pennington School in New Jersey, he earned a Master of Divinity degree at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In 1961, Rev. Rivers was wedded to Elizabeth Zeller; Dave and Liz recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. He viewed his ministry as their ministry. Their first parish was St. Elizabeth's Schnecksville, where he was ordained in 1965 by Bishop Frederick Warnecke. Interested in adventure, they explored mission opportunities. After several months learning Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Rev. Rivers became the Priest in Charge at San Esteban, San Pedro de Marcoris in the Dominican Republic. After 3 years as a missionary, they returned to the United States and Rev. Rivers was called to Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church in Philadelphia, PA. Rev. Rivers was the Rector at Old Swedes Church from 1972 through 2004. While serving this historic church (the oldest church in Pennsylvania), he oversaw renovations and commemorated the 300^th anniversary of its construction. For several years, he was Dean of the Episcopal Southwark deanery. He was a member of the Swedish Colonial Society. Rev. Rivers then served in interim and part-time roles at Philadelphia area churches, including Holy Trinity Church, Lansdale and St. Dunstan's Church, Blue Bell.

Rev. Rivers was a gifted preacher of the word of God, following in his father's footsteps. He was a leader by example, and genuinely interested in people from all walks of life who he welcomed to church. His sense of humor, fondness for jokes and love of a good party extended throughout his lifetime. He could be an irreverent reverend.

A fishing, hunting and camping enthusiast, Rev. Rivers enjoyed time outdoors particularly at the New Jersey shore, in northeast Pennsylvania and at Algonquin Park, Ontario. He was a devoted Eagles, Phillies and Penn State fan. He was a skilled photographer, particularly for black and white photos, and maintained a dark room for many years. Rev. Rivers appreciated classical and folk music, and sang bass in church choirs as a boy and adult. He supported music as part of services as well as separate musical programs, considering music to be an integral part of church life.

Rev. Rivers is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Zeller Rivers; children Christine (Stephen Albert) Rivers; Julia (Mark Chatman-Royce) Rivers; Diana (Lawrence) Bloom; and John (Frances) Rivers. He is also survived by his grandchildren Meagan, Nicholas, Kyra, Lukas, Alexander, Robert, Noel, Larson and Beatrice; great grandchildren Julian and Sienna; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rev. Rivers is survived by his sister-in-law Virginia Rivers.

Please join us for a memorial service and celebration of life on Saturday, November 15, 2 pm, at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church, Philadelphia. Officiants will include Rev. Christopher Micklewright of Old Swedes Church and Rev. Christopher Exley, All Hallows Church, Wyncote. Internment in the church graveyard will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church, Philadelphia.

For information or to send condolences, please visit rachubinskiandrogersfh.com.

In the churchyard, Gloria Dei, Old Swedes Church, Philadelphia (Around 2000)

Grammie, Aunt Ginny, baby Alex, Uncle Dick, GrandNana and Grandad (1997)

In San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, in front of our house (around 1970).

At Grandad's ordination and my baptism; Grandad holding me, Great Grandad to his right.  Allentown, PA (1965).

 In or near Wilkes-Barre, PA (early 1950's)

Late 1940's

With Your Great Grandparents Burke and Phyllis McCausland Rivers (GrandNana) and older brother Dick (Around 1940)

Late 1930's, with your Great, Great, Great Grandmother Mary Ellen Tester Walker at 14 Hill Street, Webster, MA