Pamela Ann Rivera
- May 9
- 2 min read
Updated: May 11
1964 - 2026
OBITUARY:
Pamela Ann Rivera, 62, of Hopewell Junction, NY, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at Taconic Rehabilitation and Nursing at Hopewell. She was born in Hudson, NY, on February 2, 1964, the daughter of the late Wesley Robert Gelhorn and Katherine I. (Folmsbee) Gelhorn.
Pamela was raised in the Town of Stuyvesant and attended Kinderhook Schools, graduating from Ichabod Crane High School. She went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Business from Columbia–Greene Community College.
She dedicated 33 years of service to the New York State Division of Parole as a parole program aide at Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, NY, where she was respected for her professionalism, reliability, and compassion.
Active and athletic in her youth, Pamela enjoyed softball and volleyball in Hudson and later became an avid bowler. It was through bowling and her work that she met the love of her life, Atilano “JR” Rivera. They married on February 4, 1995, in Niagara Falls, NY, and shared 31 years of devotion, partnership, and adventure. Pamela also loved long‑distance bike riding and cherished time spent outdoors.
She is survived by her own family: her brother, Wayne Gelhorn, and his wife, Jane; her sister‑in‑law, Diane Gelhorn; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Wesley Maynard Gelhorn.
She is also survived by her husband, Atilano “JR” Rivera, and his sisters: Linda Anello and her partner, Steve; Rose Burrus and her husband, Butch; Vickey Rhodes and her husband, Nick; along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
A private interment at the family plot in Firwood Cemetery, Stuyvesant, NY, will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Delehanty Funeral Home, 64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY. To leave a message of condolence or share a memory, please visit the funeral home’s website.
PRIVATE INTERMENT:
Firwood Cemetery Church Street, Stuyvesant, NY 12173
The affection and regard that people who actually knew her had for her really says a lot about what kind of person she was. Lately, while I was working through my studies, I ran into some materials linked with nursing writers UK, and honestly, one point just kept standing out, the role of compassion and steady service. Those were the sort of things Pamela seemed to carry with her everywhere in life. May her memories bring some comfort, and also new strength to every person who knew her and really loved her.
I have to say you are probably the strongest woman I ever knew. Whenever we were together you never complained,you were always bubbly and positive. I will miss you more than I can ever express. I am so lucky to have such an inspiration in my life. What a great sister. And with that being said. I also have a wonderful brother in law. JR. Thank you so much for being there for Pam you are the best. Love you both much.