Obituary of Constance J. Rivard

CONSTANCE J. RIVARD

JUNE 24, 1940 – FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Constance J. Rivard, age 83 of Englewood, FL; departed this earthly life for her eternal heavenly life on February 22, 2024. Connie was born June 24, 1940 in Lawrence, MA; the only daughter of Margaret Lovecchio Tabacco and Sebastian Tabacco.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Joseph, Sebastian (Ned) and John along with her dear husband of 59 years, Armand P. Rivard, Jr. She is survived by her son Paul Rivard, Sr. (Terri) of Newark, DE, and her daughter Elaine Rivard Goucher (Jerry) of Blue Bell, PA. Connie was a proud grandmother to Paul, Jr (Lauren), Matthew (Janice) and Stephanie Rivard, Gerard Jr, Claire, and Eamon Goucher. Another source of pride and joy for Connie are her great grandchildren: Rose, Julian, and Elijah.

Connie graduated from Lawrence High School in 1957, worked for AVCO, married Armand and gave birth to her two children. She relocated to NJ where she worked part time as a bookkeeper while she and Armand raised their two children. Once her children were grown, Connie began work as an assistant property tax collector in her hometown of Tabernacle, NJ during which she earned her certification in Property Tax Collection. Connie went on to become a Property Tax Collector for the city of Bordentown and later Tabernacle, NJ. Rapidly gaining expertise and knowledge. Connie was recruited and hired as a certified Property Tax Collection Specialist for the State of New Jersey where she long term subbed in as Property Tax Collector for many municipalities and cities including Camden and Asbury Park, NJ. While serving in this role, Connie was honored to be tapped to teach Tax Sale Law classes at Rutgers University. Connie was a generous instructor and was happy meeting fellow property tax collectors throughout the State to share her expertise.

Upon retiring, Connie and Armand relocated to Englewood, FL where Connie enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing piano, gardening, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and her social community at the local Amvets Post 777. Connie expressed her fun competitive spirit through endless games of cards and bingo with friends and family. Connie enjoyed her dogs, was proud of her country and her Sicilian heritage, and enjoyed cooking for friends and family with one particularly oft requested dish being her wonderful Sicilian sciachiatta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 16^th beginning at 11 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 5265 Placida Rd. Grove City, FL 34224. All are welcome to attend the service and the mercy meal directly following in the adjacent parish center. A Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held in Tabernacle, NJ at a later date.

Flowers or contributions to Amvets Post 777, 3386 North Access Rd. Englewood, FL 34224 (Amvets777commander@gmail.com) (941) 460-8755 are Welcome.