Philip Ramon Rivera

Philip R. Rivera of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on January 31, 2023, at the age of 86. He passed peacefully with family at his side. Philip was born in New York City on May 11, 1936, to Ramon and Marcelina Rivera. Upon high school graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps at age 18. He was stationed in Japan, Greece, and Liberia. After five years of service, he attended DePaul University in Chicago where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in School International Affairs. He then obtained his master’s degree in International Relations from Columbia University in New York City. After graduating from Columbia, he accepted a position at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois, serving as Professor of Political Science for 25 years. During that period, he started the college’s Model United Nations Program and led annual student trips abroad to locations such as Moscow, Vietnam, Beirut, South Africa, and Cuba. Philip finished his career at Garrett College in McHenry, Maryland, retiring in 2012. Philip is survived by his children Philip (Marilyn) Rivera of Geneva, Switzerland; John (Tracy) Rivera of Springfield, Illinois; Grant (Jenn) Rivera of Marietta, Georgia; and Ryan (Casey) Rivera of Sandy Springs, Georgia; his grandchildren Christopher (Maeva), Samantha, Matthew, Lauren, Parker, Reese, and Annie; and his great-grandchildren Lena, Jenna, Damian, and Logan. He is also survived by his sister, Hilda Gorman. Aside from his enthusiasm for teaching and political discussions, Philip loved spending time with his grandchildren. He adored watching them participate in youth sports, drama club, and other activities, and he always found a way to make them smile and laugh. He will be truly missed. A small service for family and close friends will be held at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta. In honor of Philip’s love for teaching and his military service, the family has created a one-time scholarship that will be awarded to deserving students in the Marietta High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC) Program from the Class of 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to this scholarship fund at https://marietta.revtrak.net/mhs/mcs-scholarship-fund-in-the-name-of-philip-rivera/#/v/a-mhs-afjrotc-scholarship-philip-rivera

Philip Ramon Rivera

May 11, 1936 - January 31, 2023