Obituary of Roosevelt Rivers

Roosevelt Rivers, affectionately known as "Cool Breeze", was born July 2, 1947 in Mariana, Florida to the late Susie and Allen Rivers. Of this union, five children were born, two of which preceded him in death. He was educated in the Florida School System and graduated from Jackson High School. Roosevelt was a member of Greenwood Chapel, Mariana, Florida. In 1965, he relocated to New Jersey where he began his career at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital. While at Ancora, he met and married his lovely wife, Esther Theresa Christian in 1969. Of this union there was one son, Roosevelt Rivers, Jr. and four grandchildren. His major career as a Barber began in 1971 after graduating from Tri City Barbering School in Pennsylvania. He provided barbering service to clients of Ancora Psychiatric Hospital. Soon after he became Head Barber in 1979. In 1990, he became Supervisor of Tonsorial Service at Ancora, where he retired from in August 2005. He also graduated from Pennco Tech for Heating and Air Conditioning. Roosevelt's diligent effort on behalf of his fellow employees resulted in becoming the Secretary/Treasurer of American Federation of State and County Employees (AFSCME), he served as Trustee on Council 71 and attended numerous Education Seminars conducted by Rutgers State University. He also belonged to the New Hope Lodge 1A.F. & A.M. out of Woodbury, NJ, in which he always transported the youth of Chesilhurst to various programs and activities. Roosevelt was also the owner of "Cool Breeze Barber Shop" located in Chesilhurst, NJ. He loved going fishing with his nephew Kevin Woods and also loved traveling with his family, calling themselves "The Jackson Five Travelers" (Roosevelt, Esther, Christine, Della and Bernard). Roosevelt was a man of many detailed and polished professions. He lent a hand to anyone requesting his assistance and had a kind heart to those in need. Anyone who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance could acknowledge he was very professional and a tru friend. While surrounded by family, Roosevelt closed his eyes for the final time and went home to be with God late Sundayevening on July 14, 2013. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and truly devoted wife, Esther Theresa Rivers; one son, Roosevelt Rivers, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Marcy; five grandchildren, Dayquann, Raykon, Raquanda, Shaquanda and Boo; two sisters, Katie Goddardof Trenton and Mary Rivers of Colorado; one brother, Isaac Rivers of Alabama; two brothers--n-law, Oliver Cannon and Bernard Woods; three sisters-in-law, Mary Cannon, Della Woods and Christine Christian; sic special play sons and daughters, Kevin Woods, Deborah Thomas, Curtis Harrignton, Robert Timmons, Denise and Tony Washington. Also, all his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends were VERY special to him, especially his dear friend, Steven Fisher.