John L “Jack” Rivel Jr., age 85, formerly of Irvine, KY passed away June 7, 2023. Jack was born in 1938 to John Lorenzo Rivel Sr and Elizabeth B. (Gottman) Rivel in Camden, New Jersey. Jack married Katherine "Kathy" Louise Rounsley in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, on September 5, 1964. He came to Kentucky in the late 1950s to attend Union College with the goal of becoming a teacher. He served as the first president and later as vice president of the Appalachian Volunteers. It is here that he found his true calling. For the next forty years he worked in various roles at the Eastern Kentucky Housing Development Corporation and the Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises (FAHE) where he was dedicated to providing affordable housing for everyone. He also served his community as a member of the Irvine-Ravenna Kiwanis Club, a Trustee for the Irvine United Methodist Church and as the building inspector for the City of Irvine.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Jim) Neal, three grandchildren: Grace Elizabeth, Hannah Jewell and Jonathan Marshall, nephew Christopher Rivel and niece Jennifer Rickards. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife Katherine, and brother Dwight.
A celebration of life will be held on June 29, 2023. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. at Irvine United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Toler Funeral Home.
