Kenneth S. Rivers, of Punta Gorda, Fl, formerly of Melrose, died at the Tidewell Hospice on Port Charlotte, Fl on Sept. 17, 2015 at the age of 88. Ken was born & raised in Everett and a graduate of Northeastern University. He resided in Melrose for over 30 years and served his country in the U.S. Navy. Ken was a Melrose Police Office for 35 years, an Emergency Medical Technian and was involved with the State Police Training School & Criminal Justice Training Program. Ken was a member of V.F.W. Norman Prince Post, American Legion and the Moose Lodge for many years. Ken was the beloved husband of 64 years to the late Elizabeth Burns-Rivers. Fiancée of Elizabeth Sheilder of Punta Gorda, FL. Caring brother of Arthur Rivers of Malden. Dear friend of Pauline & Edward Davin of FL. Gloria Ward (like a daughter to Ken) of Saugus. Uncle of David Rivers of AZ, Chris Rivers & his wife Jane Rivers of AL, Ruthann (Rivers) Bartashy & husband Frank of Naples, FL and Charles Rivers, Jr., & his wife Dorothy.. Brother in law of Nancy Weymouth of Malden, Phyllis Amato of Melrose, Earl & Claire Strange of Everett. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, Sept. 25th from 6-8PM. Funeral Saturday from the Funeral Home at 9AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial with full military honors in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.