Diane Angela Riva

Diane Angela Riva 85, passed away Saturday December 1st and has gone to be with our Lord. Diane was born in Chicago Illinois until moving to Sarasota with her family in 1955. She was married to Lou Riva of Pompano Beach FL for 27 years. Diane leaves behind her son Louis (Erika) Omaha, NE, grandchildren Louie, Angela and Emily and two great grandchildren. Daughter Janet Riva Lucas (Tom) Tallahassee, FL, son Mark (Wendy Ross Riva) Sarasota, FL and son Vince (Judge Debra Johns Riva) Sarasota ,FL. Diane was preceded in death by her mother Angela Segreti, brother Adam Segreti and sister Georgette Segreti Busic. Diane was a member of the Sarasota Junior Womens Club. Diane was a homemaker and raised four children until they were all enrolled in school, at which time she enrolled at Manatee Junior College and obtained her AA degree. Diane then commuted to USF Tampa for her bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Diane went on to obtain two masters degrees in education and guidance and was a teacher at Booker Bay Haven Elementary School and Booker Middle School before becoming Principal of Booker Middle School for 15 years. Diane always put the needs of her students and their families first and treated everyone with kindness , love and respect. Diane was a leader in the Sarasota community for social justice and the needs of the less fortunate. Upon her retirement from the Sarasota County School district Diane was very active as a community volunteer where she was a Guardian Ad Litem, volunteer tutor for area students, worked at the food pantry and Caritas House serving the under privileged. Diane was a volunteer for many years for the supervisor of elections as a voter precinct clerk. Diane was a volunteer at Van Wezel Auditorium for 20 years. Diane was a devoted member of Sarasota’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer for 55 years and taught confirmation classes for 20 years. Diane loved our Lord and our Lord loved her. Diane was all about family and family gatherings. She would invite all and never turn anyone showing up unexpected away from the dinner table. She would make sure everyone had a place and a voice at the dinner table and was always concerned if everyone had enough to eat. Diane was a phenomenal cook as well and made the best homemade spaghetti sauce and lasagna that ever came out of a kitchen. Diane leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, warmth and compassion. She was the most unmaterialistic person you would ever meet and was a giving caring concerned person till the end. She leaves behind her love of education, books and reading that she instilled in her entire family. She felt education was the most important endeavor one could pursue in life and achieve and she was a lifelong learner. Diane was extremely proud of the fact that all four of her children received College degrees- Louis – The Citadel retired United States Air Force Major 41 years of service, Janet- Florida State University 40 years Leisure Services and Studies, Mark -Troy University 38 years Pfizer Pharmaceutical sales and Vince- Stetson University retired 32 years of law enforcement Sarasota County Sherriff Dept. Diane also loved watching sports. She attended numerous Little League, Babe Ruth, High School baseball and High School football games watching her sons play as well as collegiate sports. Diane enjoyed watching The Riverview Kiltie band. She was an FSU season ticket holder for many years as well as being a lifetime Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder from their inaugural season even until the end. Though she is gone she will never be forgotten. Diane leaves behind so many people that she loved and that loved her dearly. Diane impacted numerous lives over the years. She is missed and we are saddened with her loss but we rejoice in the greater glory that we know lies ahead for her as she goes to be with our Lord and relatives past gone waiting for her with open loving arms. Diane loved her family and we will rejoice and celebrate her life as our loving mother and never forget her and she shall stay in our hearts always.Visitation will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018 from 4 PM – 7:00 PM at Toale Brothers Funeral Homes – 40 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11:30 am at the Church of the Redeemer - 222 South Palm Ave, Sarasota. Burial will follow at Sarasota Memorial Park.

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Diane Angela Riva

December 28, 1933 - December 1, 2018