Robert Arnold Rivers

ST. ALBANS – Robert Arnold Rivers, age 24, passed away unexpectedly on May 31, 2026. Robbie was born February 22, 2002, to Kelly and Aaron Rivers. He grew up in St. Albans with his three siblings and more friends than seemed possible. He was a junior member of the St. Albans Town Volunteer Fire Department in his early teens and graduated from BFA St. Albans.

His love of cars, tractors, and anything with a motor started early, and he could always be found in the garage working on something. His Dad was his first and longest garage companion, working together on numerous projects over the years. As Robbie got older, the garage became the place for him and his friends to work on projects together too and you could find Hunter and Zach Fav there on nearly any given day, the three of them tinkering on something together or separately, didn’t matter. Aaron had to be on the lookout during that era though, because Robbie was known to snag a tool or two here and there as needed. Outside of the garage Robbie was looking for the next best deal – trading, buying and selling anything that was related to a motor in any way. But nothing filled Robbie’s heart more than becoming a dad. He was so excited for Lainey to arrive – he lit up in her presence; he doted on her and made her is little sidekick from day one. She might even already know how to change your oil for you!

Robbie was so kind – celebrating others with small gestures and helping wherever there was a need. He was loving – fully showing up for those he cared about, but no one more than his sweet Lainey. He was adventurous – to dare Robbie was to watch him do whatever crazy idea you came up with. His smile lit up any room, and his laugh was instantly contagious; you weren’t getting away with a bad mood around him.

Robbie is survived by his baby girl Lainey Joy Rivers and girlfriend Sophia Heth; parents Kelly and Aaron Rivers; sister Emily Rivers, her fiancé Christopher Bessette and daughter Ellie Besestte; sister Jenna Rivers; brother Jonathan Rivers; maternal grandparents Dwayne and Patty Densmore; several aunts, uncles, cousins and an unlimited number of friends. He was pre-deceased by his paternal grandparents Arnold and DiAnne Rivers.

The family would like to extend their immense gratitude to the Sheldon Fire Department!

Visiting hours will be Saturday, June 6th 10:00am – 1:00pm at Minor’s Funeral Home, 237 Route 7 South, Milton, VT. A celebration of life will take place 2:00pm – 7:00pm, location TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Robbie’s honor to The Afterglow Foundation, Inc., 1 La Cresta Drive, St. Albans, VT 05478 - www.afterglowfoundation.com.