Terry Michael "Mike" Rivers Sr., 70, of Harkness, died Monday, July 22, 2024, with family by his side.

He was born in Plattsburgh on Aug. 21, 1953, the son of Aloney and Frances (McLean) Rivers.

Terry married the love of his life, Bonnie (Hart) Rivers, on Sept. 10, 1972. In their nearly 52 years of marriage, Bonnie and Terry were a testament to selfless love, building a family of two beloved sons, five grandchildren, and countless treasured memories.

Terry was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. He retired from the New York State Department of Corrections after 26 years as a Corrections Officer. In 2010, Terry and Bonnie opened the Harkness Bottle Redemption Center, where he worked alongside members of his family and found great joy in the relationships and conversations with customers.

With loving encouragement from his wife, Terry retired once again in 2020. Always a man to put others before himself, he also gave humbly and generously to his community, supporting local Toys for Tots efforts annually.

One of Terry's favorite hobbies was golfing, a pastime he loved to spend in the company of his wife, family, and friends. A highlight of his retirement was joining his dear friends on the golf course each week.

Terry loved nothing more than his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonnie; sons, Terry M. Rivers Jr. (Deborah) and Steven Rivers (Josee); grandchildren, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Travis, Madison, and Carter; mother-in-law, Mary Hart; brothers-in-law, Augustine "Jim" Hart (Cindy), Raymond Hart (Becky), Alan Hart (Cindy); sister-in-law, Penny Conroy (Bill); sisters, Candy Fletcher (Richard) and Penny Everest; brother, Robert McLean; and several nieces and nephews.

Terry was predeceased by his father and mother, Aloney and Frances Rivers; brothers, Walter and Bryant Rivers; sisters, Sherry Warden and Deborah Lincoln; and father-in-law, Augustine Hart.

Services will be private and at the convenience of his family.

Donations in Terry's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to those who provided excellent care to Terry over the years, as well as the first responders and CVPH staff who cared for him in his final moments.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Terry Rivers please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com