David J. (Tard) Rivard, 62, of Pawtucket, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2020 at The Miriam Hospital after a courageous six-week battle with Covid-19. He is survived by his loving and beloved wife, Sharon (Choquette) Rivard of Pawtucket, his son Dane Rivard of Providence and his daughter, Devinne Rivard of Pawtucket.
He was born on September 7, 1958 to the late Eugene A. and A. Louise (Dunn) Rivard. Besides his wife and children, he leaves behind his brother Stephen Rivard of Coventry and his sister, Lois (Rivard) Flanagan and his brother in-law George Flanagan of Pawtucket and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and unconditionally.
His is also survived by his godmother, Arlene (Dunn) Walker.
David was employed for 42 years by Rhode Island Hospital (now lifespan) in IT/Network services. He began his career in May 1978 as a printer boy in the computer room and rose through the ranks to become Lead Technologies Technician. He was a valued and much respected member of the lifespan family and his laughter and light will be greatly missed. No matter where he went in the hospital, he left a lasting impression with just a smile or a quick joke.
David spent many years volunteering for the Fairlawn Little League, first as a father watching both of his children play and working in the concession stand. He eventually became manager of the stand and was fondly known as “Dave, The Onion man”. For several years he served as the league’s president. He was also the “keeper” of the Fairlawn little league/Fairlawn Cardinals football league community sign outside of Nathanael Greene Elementary School.
For over 20 years, David was a patron of the Rhode Island Blood Center. He started as a blood donor and proudly transitioned to Pheresis donations.
He believed in living life to the fullest and always had a quick joke or quip to make anyone laugh. David’s bigger than life personality could light up a room and liven up any party. No one quite knew how his mind worked or where he came up with the antics and hilarious stories he could tell. He was always up for adventure, especially if he were on vacation in an area he did not know very well. He wanted to explore, and a quick road trip could turn to several hours. He especially enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends where he would entertain them endlessly with jokes and laughter and pranks.
David was known by many names over the years…. Tard, Uncle Goofy, Uncle Goober, Monkey and Spaz. However, he was best known as husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and a dear, dear friend. He will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, services have been omitted. A celebration of his life will be held later when It is safe to gather again. The family asks that donations in his memory be made to Hasbro Children’s Hospital at https://giving.lifespan.org/hasbro/david-rivard. The family also asks that family and friends sign the guest book with their fondest memory or funniest story they have of David.