The Barrington community is in mourning after the recent passing of Richard Rivera, the owner and chef of Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie. For over two decades, Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie has been a beloved fixture in the Foundry of Barrington, and Rivera himself was a cherished figure to many, both as a businessman and a friend. Kevin Muench, a resident of Marengo, drove nearly 30 miles to Barrington to pay his respects, a testament to the profound impact Rivera had on those around him. Muench, a retired U.S. Postal Service carrier, had known Rivera for 20 years through his delivery route. “He was not only a quality businessman and chef, but he was a personal friend,” Muench shared, highlighting the personal connections Rivera fostered within the community. “I consider these people my family because of the way they treated me.”
Muench’s sentiments are echoed throughout Barrington, where Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie has become synonymous with quality baked goods and a welcoming atmosphere. News of Rivera’s death on August 6th at the age of 57, following a private battle with metastatic prostate cancer, resonated deeply within the town. His wife, Deborah Rivera, to whom he was married for 27 years, mentioned that a memorial service is planned for after September 9th. Despite their grief, Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie reopened its doors shortly after a temporary closure, a decision made to honor Rivera’s vision and commitment to the community.
Deborah Rivera was present at the patisserie on its reopening day, receiving an outpouring of support from friends, loyal customers, and suppliers alike. Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie is renowned for its extensive daily selection of exquisite baked goods, pastries, confections, and expertly crafted espresso drinks, as detailed on their website. The business is committed to continuing Rivera’s legacy and remaining a vital part of Barrington. “We will stay open. When Richard designed this place, he had a vision to keep it friendly and engaging,” Deborah Rivera explained. She further emphasized the patisserie’s mission to be a community hub, stating, “Our product can be intimidating because you usually see them in fine hotels. To combat this, we wanted our shop to be an engaging community hub.”
The temporary closure of Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie was marked by handmade signs placed on the front door, informing patrons of Richard Rivera’s passing. This news came as a surprise to many, including Kyle Anderson, an apprentice saddler at Barrington Saddlery and a Crystal Lake resident. Anderson, a regular customer for years, having visited since childhood, typically frequents the bakery three to four times a week for his coffee. He recounted a personal anecdote illustrating Rivera’s generosity and artistry: for his wedding the previous October, Anderson requested Rivera to bake his wedding cake using his grandmother’s recipe. Rivera readily agreed, showcasing his dedication to his craft and his customers. “We were both artisans, and he liked showing me his kitchen and what he was working on. I was totally shocked this morning,” Anderson expressed, reflecting the community’s shared sense of loss.
Sue Benning, a resident of Lake Barrington, also stopped by Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie upon seeing the signs. Her reaction, simply mouthing the words and stepping back, spoke volumes about the collective shock and sadness. “It just went through me. Everyone knew who the chef was,” Benning said, underscoring Rivera’s prominent role in the community and the friendly atmosphere he cultivated at Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie. The legacy of Richard Rivera and Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie as a cornerstone of the Barrington community is set to continue, a testament to his vision and the deep connections he forged.
