Deacon Leroy A. Rivers, of Coatesville, PA, surrounded by his family, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024, at his home. He was 85 years old.

Born in Coatesville, PA, he was the son of the late George Wright and Effie Lowry Rivers.

Leroy completed his schooling at the historic James Adams School up to the 9th grade. He then worked to help support his family.

Leroy was a United States Army veteran, who valiantly served his country until he was honorably discharged.

Leroy met the love of his life and married his wife, Pattie M. Hunter Rivers, on August 3, 1968, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.

Over the years, Leroy was employed at the former Luken's Steel Mill as a general Foreman.  Leroy also was employed at Embreeville State Hospital as a mortuary technician.  Then Leroy enrolled into the police academy and worked as a PA State Trooper and then became the Chief of Police for Valley Township.

In 1975, Leroy joined the Second Baptist Church, now known as the Second Baptist Worship Center in Coatesville. He served in various ministries including, the Chairman of the Deacon Board, Usher Board, Building Committee and the Trustees Board.

Leroy was a member of various lodges and organizations over the years. He was Past Master of Hope Chatham Lodge #40 PHA Grand Lodge. A member of the Charles E. Gordon Consistory #65, the Holy Royal Arch Masons, Mt. Lebanon Chapter #18, Minaret Temple #174,  Hiram Council R&SM,  Eureka Chapter #12, Order of Eastern Star PHA, the VFW Post 2404 Mt. Vernon Lodge #151, I.B.P.O.E. of W.

Leroy enjoyed bowling, golfing, and shopping with his wife Pattie (as he sat in the chair) at Boscov's. He also enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Eagles, the Price Is Right and CNN almost every day. Most of all he enjoyed being around his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grands.

In addition to his wife, Pattie, he was predeceased by his great-grandson, Davon Peoples, Jr; nephew, Brian Rivers; brother, Hugh Rivers; sisters, Eula Mae Rivers and Jeanine Rivers.

Deacon Rivers, is survived by two daughters, Sheila Smith (husband, Benito) of Coatesville, Sharon Thomas (husband, Earl) of Justin, Texas; brother, Willie Rivers; sister, Diana Martin; sisters-in-law, Annie Hunter, Helen Madry, and Minnie Hunter all of Baltimore, Maryland, and Emma Williams of Washington, DC; 5 grandchildren: Sheilita Rivers-Hamilton, Charyea Rivers-Hamilton, Janeyah Rivers Hamilton, Charles Rivers Hamilton, Jr. and Cameron Smith; 5 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He is also survived by special friends: Lisa Lister, Eliza Mae Brown, Deacon Leroy and Olivia Lyons, Deacon Corinthan and Marvina Depte, James Grove and his Pastor, Rev. Dr. James L. Smith, and First Lady Beverly Fox Smith.

Homegoing Services will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville. The viewing will be held from 8:00 AM followed by a Masonic Ritualistic service at 9:15 AM.

Interment will be in the New Evergreen Cemetery, in Coatesville.

Condolences may be shared through the guestbook link on this memorial page where all are welcome to light a candle in his memory.