In Memory of

Sherman

Rivolla

Obituary for Sherman Rivolla

DENNIS/BELLINGHAM: In the quiet morning hours of September 13, 2018 Sherman Rivolla peacefully passed away. An unknown author once wrote “Heaven’s the place where all the dogs you’ve ever loved come to greet you.” Perhaps in the aftermath of the passing of his kind, gentle soul we can imagine such a place for Sherman. He’ll be warmly remembered for his love of family. He was married to his wife Kathy (Baldelli) Rivolla for 49 years, was adored by his daughters Jill Rivolla and Dawn Fontaine and her husband Fred. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Charley and Kyle Haskins, Massimo Fontaine and Meghan Donofrio, his sisters Linda Rand, Beth Daloz and her husband Charlie and Paula Ravaioli, and many nieces and nephews. He was born May 2, 1941 in New Bedford, MA, son of the late Carol (Bishop) and late Gino Ravaioli. His roots were in Wareham where he also graduated from high school. He served in the U.S. Army following the Korean conflict and was stationed in Alaska. Sherman went through life sharing his most precious gifts; he was generous, at times to a fault, had a quiet but sharp sense of humor that those closest to him treasured and the unconditional love that drew him so close to his beloved dogs over the years, he also bestowed upon others. While work never defined him, he spent many years at Key Boston in a variety of roles. If you needed an appliance or had a question about one, Sherman was always there ready to help. Following his career, he and Kathy retired to Cape Cod, near the shores of Mayflower beach and where they and their beloved dogs came to call Dennis home very quickly. He managed the difficult diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease with the quiet dignity he was always known for, and throughout even his most difficult days his humor was still present to those near and caring for him. Please honor his memory in lieu of flowers with memorial donations to NEADS New England Assistance Dogs (www.neads.org).

All are welcome to gather with Sherman’s family Wednesday September 19 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536 followed by a brief memorial service at 6:30pm at the funeral home. A Book of Memories to share a memory of Sherman is available online at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com