WHEELING, Ill. () — Students, educators and members of the Chicago White Sox family came together in Wheeling on Tuesday for a fundraiser supporting the family of Orlando Rivas, three months after his death.
Held at Finn McCool’s, the gathering drew many who knew and loved Rivas, a 52-year-old father of four remembered for the warmth he brought to every relationship and the joy he shared with those around him.
“This is a party he would have loved to have been at. But I know he’s here with us; so, I feel good about that,” said Erin Rivas, Orlando Rivas’ widow.
Throughout the evening, friends, relatives and supporters shared tributes honoring Rivas’ life, his character and the lasting impact he left on the community.
Rivas worked as a security guard at Buffalo Grove High School. He was killed in April after, police said, a driver exiting the school parking lot struck a pole, causing it to hit Rivas as he placed himself in front of students.
His father, Roy Rivas, reflected on the pain his family continues to carry.
“It’s hard for me everyday to wake up. I used to talk him to him every day. He’d call me in the middle of the day. He’d say, ‘Papa, I love you,'” Roy Rivas said. “Losing him, it’s been hard on me. It’s been hard on my son. My son is still in denial, you know, because they were like twins.”
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Roy Rivas spent more than four decades as the White Sox team chef, and the fundraiser brought out family, friends and members of the organization. Among those in attendance was White Sox legend Ron Kittle, who helped co-host the event.
“He had a special place in a lot of people’s hearts. He was a good guy,” Kittle said. “I think that’s going to be the reflection today is there’s good people out there, and we need more of them.”
In addition to his work at Buffalo Grove High School, Rivas also worked for the White Sox and as a juvenile probation officer during a long career. Loved ones said his position at the high school provided another opportunity to build relationships with young people.
“Everybody knew him. Every kid knew him because he kind of made it point to go and connect with kids, make sure he knew their name, what they were interested in,” said Jeff Wardle, principal of Buffalo Grove High School.
Erin Rivas said the support shown by the community brought comfort to her family.
“My heart feels full tonight. There’s always going to be sadness because I miss him so much, but this is overwhelming in like the best way possible,” she said.
An auction of White Sox tickets and memorabilia was held during the event, with proceeds benefiting the Rivas family.
