Gustavo Rivero

Gustavo ("Gus") Rivero, 54, died Friday morning, February 28, 2020, at The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. Born November 21, 1965, Gus grew up in Washington, DC, and last resided with his family in Damascus, MD.

Gus leaves behind his beloved wife of 22 years, Diane Rivero; their daughter, Alexis; his sister, Beatrice Giraldo and her husband Javier Giraldo; as well as two nieces, Daniella and Gabriella. He also leaves behind his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronald and Louise Schiraldi, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Lori Delia and their two children Victoria and Max. He is predeceased by his parents, Gustavo Pedro Rivero and Lydia Yolanda Rivero.

Gus was a long-time employee of Best Tile, serving in various managerial capacities over the past 20 years, and most recently overseeing operations of the company’s highly successful Rockville and Columbia, MD showrooms. Regarded by many as the region’s leading "Tile Expert," Gus was frequently quoted in construction and home improvement periodicals.

An active supporter of Damascus regional athletics, community events, and causes, Gus - along with his family - was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Always a health and fitness enthusiast, in his younger years, Gus was an active lacrosse player and an avid scuba diver. He was extremely proud the day he became a Certified Rescue Diver.

To sum up Gus’s life: He loved his family dearly and was always a source of laughter and affection at all family gatherings. He was the proudest of fathers and most loving husband. Gus was extremely quick to make friends and enjoyed many lasting friendships, particularly with his childhood friends. He was also passionate about his work and loved helping customers. Gus will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9240 Damascus Road, Damascus, MD.

Gus was lovingly cared for by Dr. Ashraf Z. Badros for 11 years for his multiple myeloma. As a tribute to Gus, his family asks that, in lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Gus be directed to support the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Multiple Myeloma. Please make checks payable to "UMMS Foundation" and include a memo indicating that this gift is in memory of Gustavo Rivero. Gifts can be mailed to UMMS Foundation, 110 S. Paca St. 9th floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, or can be made online at www.ummsfoundation.org/give.