John C. "Chief" Rivosa, 81, of Manchester, the husband of fifty-five years to Myrna (Coleman) Rivosa died Sunday, August 24th at Manchester Manor surrounded by his loving family. John was the Chief of the Town of Manchester Fire/Rescue for over twenty four years and served the department for forty years. He was a member of the International, National, New England and State of Connecticut Associations of Fire Chiefs and Fire Marshals. John was past-president and former director of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association. He was instrumental in the formation of the Town of Manchester paramedic program in July of 1983 and on November 19, 2006 the Central Fire Headquarters was dedicated in his honor. He was a US Navy Veteran of World War II and was formerly employed by Cheney Bros. as the youngest person ever promoted to foreman. Besides Myrna, he is survived by his daughters Ann and her husband Collins D. Johnston II, Deborah Rivosa and Roger Lajoie, and his son John and his wife Gerilyn (Lombardo) Rivosa. He was a devoted grandfather to Collins D. Johnston III, Alexander C. Johnston, John C. Rivosa Jr., Olivia S. Rivosa, and Alec J. Rivosa and had many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Joseph V. Rivosa. John's family sends heartfelt thanks to their friends at Manchester Manor for their compassion and care and Connecticut VNA Partners, East Hartford for their nurturance and support. There is so much to say about the wonderful and warm man we adored as our husband, father, and grandfather but those who knew him, knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1 pm at St. James Church 896 Main St. Manchester followed by burial in St. James Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester on Thursday from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Town of Manchester Fire/Rescue Department Paramedic Fund 75 Center Street Manchester, CT 06040. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.