RIVERSO, Joseph Riverso

Joseph Riverso: A Life of Love, Strength, and Courage

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Riverso, 63, on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was surrounded by the love of his family in Courtice, Ontario.

Joseph was the cherished husband of Cheryl Riverso (nee Maggs), a devoted father to Marissa, Gianna, and Taryn and the adoring grandfather to Jason. He was, without a doubt, the best parent anyone could ask for, always offering unwavering support and love. As a proud grandfather, he consistently provided encouragement and protection. As a husband, he was a supportive partner, a true pillar of strength and best friend for Cheryl.

Joseph is predeceased by his parents Saverio Riverso (2010) and Barbara Mellace (1994) and his oldest brother Ted (1996). He is survived by his siblings, Dominic, Umberto, and Teresa, his sister-in-law, Teresa, as well as nephews Daniel, Christopher, Michael, and Robert and nieces Stephanie and Daniella.

After 43 years, Joe retired from General Motors in April 2025. His career began in 1982 as a Co-op Engineering student from the University of Waterloo in the GM Diesel Division. Through the years he held a variety of key positions. His final position was Senior Finance Analyst at Oshawa Stamping. He truly loved his job and the many people he worked with over the years.

Joe was a huge Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan. He was also intensely interested in music with some of his favourites being Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Elton John and the Beatles. He enjoyed watching sports and was a die-hard Blue Jays and Maple Leafs fan. He looked forward to March Madness and always had the family pick their own brackets. Family time was extremely important to Joe. In the winter he had us all skiing and, in the summer, we pulled a trailer through many provincial parks in Ontario. He always looked forward to biking and hiking at the parks. He loved watching the girls at their activities and anything that involved his grandson.

We express our deepest thanks to the ALS Clinic team at Sunnybrook, Ontario at Home, Valleyview Medical Center and the Durham Palliative Care team. So many people touched our lives during this time. Special thanks to Tracy, Karen, Courtney, TJ, Peter, Husban, Nancy, Kianda and Sarah. Your support, knowledge and compassion was invaluable.

His kindness and generosity touched the lives and hearts of many. Joe’s legacy of love, strength, and extreme courage will live on in the hearts of his family and all who know him. He will be deeply missed.

Mass will be Saturday July 12, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Courtice, at 11:30.
Followed by inurnment at Bowmanville cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Society.

Love you always,
Cheryl

We love you dad!
Marissa, Gianna, Taryn

AFTERCARE CREMATION & BURIAL SERVICE LIMITED