The ‘jovial, witty’ Robert ‘Bob’ Rivas, 78

By Cristina DC Pastor

“We’ve lost a good man.”

Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio expressed his grief over the passing of former Mayor Robert “Bob” Rivas.

Rivas, the first Filipino American mayor in the New Jersey area, died on April 23 at the age of 78. He was elected mayor of Bergenfield in 1999 and served from 2000 to 2002. His family traces its roots to Aurora, Philippines, and he immigrated to the United States in 1968.

Amatorio, who shares a similar personal background with Rivas—both are lawyers and the children of public school teachers from Aurora—told The FilAm:

“I am personally saddened by his passing. Even after more than two decades away from politics, he never stopped serving Bergenfield.”

He recalled how he asked Rivas to be chairman of the Bergenfield Planning Board in 2020. “He did not hesitate and joined my team…he was a dedicated public servant.”

Amatorio also shared a memory of their final meeting in February: “After being away due to medical procedures, he walked in and I was genuinely surprised. I almost knocked him down giving him a hug, telling him how happy I was to see him. He smiled and said, ‘I’m still alive.’ That was classic Mayor Bob Rivas. Jovial. Witty. Strong.”

He said Rivas gave him something he would never forget. “As a fellow mayor of the same town, he gave me something more. He shared the history, the challenges, and the struggles. He showed me both the good and the bad so I could lead better. I appreciated that honesty. That kind of selflessness is powerful.”

Prior to being elected mayor, Rivas had served as a Bergenfield councilman from 1996 to 1998. As a council member, he chaired the Finance, Administration and Personnel Committee and was a member of its Police, Buildings and Grounds; Capital Improvements; and Community Affairs committees.

Amatorio continued: “The entire board rallied behind him. And he did what he always did. He led (the Planning Board). He helped move forward something that will benefit Bergenfield for years to come. He was selfless, confident, and never jealous. Always supportive. Always generous with his praise for me and the work we were doing. He lifted people up.”

The Philippine Consulate issued a statement expressing its condolences to the community and to the Rivas family.

“Mayor Rivas made history as the first Filipino-American to serve as Mayor of Bergenfield. His election was a proud and meaningful milestone for the Filipino American community, and helped pave the way for greater representation in public service.

“His service, leadership, and example will long be remembered by the Filipino American community and the people of Bergenfield.”