Phil Rivers

Joseph Phillip "Phil" Rivers passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at the family residence surrounded by family and friends.Phil was born and raised Jan. 4, 1947 in Massena, N.Y. He graduated from Holy Family High School in Massena. He served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970 he was sent to Germany where he met his French wife and stayed until December 1975. In Jan. 1976, he began working for ABMC became the Superintendent for the American Battle Monuments Commission in France, Europe (Brittany, Oise-Aisne, Normandy, and Meuse-Argonne Cemetery), until retiring in May 2011 after 36 years of service, and settled in Ooltewah.Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Denery and Fernande Rivers; two brothers, Norman and Bernie; and a nephew, James.Phil is survived by his loving family: wife, of 42 years, Jocelyne Rivers; his two sons, Christopher Rivers and wife Rachel from Chicago, Ill., and Michael Rivers and wife Crystal, from Ooltewah; grandchildren, Isaak, Grace and Sophie; and two brothers, Gil Rivers from Apple Valley, Minn., Moe Rivers and wife, Lorraine from Chattanooga; a sister-in-law, Jean Rivers from Syracuse, N.Y., and several nieces and nephews and loving friends.The mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Jim Vick officiating.Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. at the Holy Family Hall at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to, Hospice of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 46, Chattanooga, TN 37401, or Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 501 S Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412-2949.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga.