Anthony “Tony” Rivers, 88, of Pace, Florida passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, with family at his side.

Born to Emma (Balent) and Leslie Rivers in South St. Louis, MO, Tony began his professional career in 1957 at the Missouri Pacific Railroad while attending night school and earning degrees in Economics and Commerce from St. Louis University.

In 1960 he married his childhood sweetheart Carol Ann Bertel and they were blessed with two sons: Robert Anthony Rivers, who resides in St. Louis with his life partner Mary Ann Schuetz; and Steven Michael Rivers, residing in Phoenix with his wife Tammy (Blalock) and their sons Christian, Casey, and Alex.

Tony joined the Monsanto Chemical Company in 1964 and spent 27 years there, rising to Director of Distribution before taking early retirement at 54, spending more time with family, becoming avid golfers and traveling extensively.

After relocating to the Pensacola area and building a home in Pace, Florida in 1996, Carol tragically fell ill the following year and passed away in 1998.

Tony subsequently met Claire Marie (English) and they wed within a year.

After 10 years together, including 20 cruises, Claire suddenly passed in 2009.

She is survived by her children Patricia (Blount) Morales, John Blount and Robert Blount, their spouses Augustin, Donna and Nancy, and their children & grandchildren, who all reside in the Pensacola area.

He enjoyed traveling, working on home and landscape projects, and spending time with family and friends, and was an avid reader and follower of current events. He shared his home with many pets, including his beloved dog Buff, and was a proud Catholic and supporter of numerous charities.

Tony’s memory will live on through the love he shared, the many lives he touched and his inimitable sense of humor.