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The family of Col. Walter Rivera MD uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
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Kathleen Davis posted a condolence
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Dr. Rios- Rivera, words cannot express the sadness I feel for you and your family. You have been there for me, your patients and friends in many situations above and beyond just medical care. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and all of your family. God Bless You
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Reid Muller, MD, Col, USAF, Ret. posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
I was sorry to hear of Walt's passing. I knew him from my days in the military, when he was the Army National Guard State Surgeon and I was coming up the ranks in the Air National Guard. We lost touch as we moved on with our careers, but I remember him as a good man, a dedicated officer, a good leader, a true patriot.
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Sylvia & Ed Sokol posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
We thank him for his dedication and service to our country. So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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William Fish posted a condolence
Monday, November 3, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with COL Rivera, at the 320th Evacuation Hospital, Newburgh, N.Y. A very fine officer who forged a bond of trust with his soldiers and superiors, and a valuable asset to the U.S. Army. I was very fortunate to have known such a great guy. You will be greatly missed.
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Charles Garbarino COL/MC posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, November 3, 2014
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To Walter's Family:
Walt and I shared many adventures together in our role of State Surgeons and National Guard Medical Advisory Members.
Col. Rivera always spoke his mind to do what was right for military medicine. Dr. Rivera cared for his patients both for the physical and emotional well-being. Col (Dr.) Rivera deployed to the combat zones for the one main reason - to care for those members of the Armed Forces.
He was outgoing, friendly and loved by all whose path he crossed.
I will always remember Walt in his multiple roles but most importantly as my friend.
His spirit will live on in everyone who he met along his journey in life.
Charles
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Gregory Bartolomei posted a condolence
Monday, November 3, 2014
Many years ago, Wally was working 36 hour shifts at a hospital in Manhattan. One evening, he had a group of us over where we enjoyed fabulous food and the warmth of great companionship from his loving family. He was due to start his shift that night and it was getting late, so several of us crammed into a car to drive him downtown. As soon as the car moved, Wally fell soundly asleep and he stayed that way the rest of the ride. When we arrived, he quickly woke up and was so alert and full of energy, it was as if he hadn’t been tired at all and he quickly walked into the hospital to assume his duties. I remember asking with amazement “How does he do that?” But that was Wally -disciplined, focused and ready to do all that he could to help others and his country. The life he lived proves that. We will all miss him.
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Linda Alvarez-Cruz posted a condolence
Monday, November 3, 2014
Wally was a wonderful friend of 44 years. Our time at SUNY Stony Brook with the rest of the crew will always be treasured, as will our times together in your Kingston kitichen with our families.
With a heavy heart I send my condolences and love to Zandra, Vanessa and Daniel.
Linda
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Edgar Vazquez posted a condolence
Monday, November 3, 2014
The kind words expressed by all is consistent with how I remember Walter
during and after college. He expressed timeless moral principles in his youth
and impressed all who met him. We immediately called him "Doc" during our
freshman year in college as he made it clear to all that he would become a Doctor.
He demonstrated steel determination and, expressing excellence was his trade mark.
There was never any doubt that he would succeed at any endeavor.
He has touched the hearts of thousands, may he rest in peace.
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Robin MacHattie posted a condolence
Monday, November 3, 2014
I worked with COL Rivera at MEDCOM and knew him as a gentle and caring man who was truly dedicated to the care of our Soldiers. My condolences are with you all during this difficult time- sending you strength, love, and healing thoughts.
-Robin MacHattie
NYARNG Medical Case Manager
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Dale Morgan posted a condolence
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Deepest Sympaphy to Walter's Family!
Walter was one of the finest Surgeons the Albany VAMC hired during my many years at the VA. He was faultless, skilled, compassionate, informativwe and committed and a good friend. He was truly a credit to the VA!
Dale Morgan
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CPT Scott Lewis NYARNG posted a condolence
Saturday, November 1, 2014
To the Rivera family, please accept my condolences -- I had the honor to serve closely with COL Rivera the last few years doing aviation medicine for the NY Army National Guard. COL Rivera was my superior, mentor, friend, and colleague. Beyond being a decorated military officer who served as a combat surgeon in our last two wars, he touched the lives of countless Soldiers and their families with his caring and sense of fairness. A leader, a Soldier, a family man -- this nation owes him, and his family who supported his high calling, a huge debt of gratitude. I will miss him grealty.
CPT J. Scott Lewis RPA-C
NYARNG
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COL (ret) Joan Sullivan, MD posted a condolence
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Zondra, Vanessa and Danny,
Please accept my condolences on the death of Walt. I have known him for nearly 20 years. I first met him when he joined the National Guard in 1995. We had many experiences together over the following 20 years. I can tell you first hand how much he was admired and loved by his Soldiers. You could always count on him. He knew so much about the military and about medicine. He shared his knowledge readily. He will be sorely missed. I feel fortunate to call him my colleague, brother in arms and friend. You and Walt will be in my thoughts and prayers.
V/R
Joan Sullivan, MD
COL(ret), MC
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