Robert Campos Rivas

Robert C. Rivas, Esq., of Bergenfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76 years old.

Born on February 16, 1950, in Albay, Philippines, to Dr. Leon and Marion Rivas, Robert was known for his sharp intellect, eloquence, warmth, and lifelong commitment to justice and public service. A gifted storyteller, thoughtful leader, and devoted family man, Bob had a rare ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Robert earned his law degree from Seton Hall Law School and dedicated nearly five decades to serving others through the law. From 1974 until his retirement in 2021, he built a distinguished career as a public interest attorney, providing legal representation to low-income individuals, indigent parents, and guardians in need of advocacy and justice in civil and family matters. Throughout his legal career, Bob was driven by a profound belief that the law should serve and protect the most vulnerable, and he devoted his life’s work to that mission.

His commitment to service extended beyond the courtroom and into the community he loved. In Bergenfield, Bob served as Councilman from 1996 to 1998 and as Mayor from 1999 to 2003, leading with integrity, vision, and deep civic pride. He was the first Filipino-American on the East Coast to be elected mayor. Bob believed deeply in public service and worked tirelessly to strengthen the town and community he called home. His legacy of civic responsibility and moral leadership continues in the relationships he cultivated and the lives he impacted.

His lasting impact on Bergenfield—among residents of Filipino heritage and beyond—will ripple through generations. He was a mayor who led with confidence, inclusivity, and grace; whose words brought comfort and whose service was honorable. His influence was never confined to his years in office. Long after his final term, he remained admired and sought out because the mark he made on this town endured until his final day.

The same devotion he gave his community was matched at home, where he was an extraordinary husband, father, and family man—present, supportive, and endlessly proud of his loved ones. Through his example, he taught us to lead with grace, fight for what is right, and help others whenever we can.

In 1984, he married the love of his life, Marjorie Carceller, and together they shared 41 years of marriage, during which they traveled the world together and showed their two daughters the meaning of love and respect.

Bob was a devoted husband and father whose greatest joy was his family. He loved spirited conversation, storytelling, travel, discussing history and politics, and sharing his wisdom with those around him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, justice, public service, and kindness. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie; daughters Renee and Natalie; sister Liz; and mother Marion. He was preceded in death by his father, Leon.

A service honoring Robert’s life will be held on May 2, 2026, at Bergenfield Borough Hall, 198 N. Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the Democratic National Committee or Hackensack University Medical Center Heart and Vascular Hospital.

Bob will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.