Vince Riva

Vestry Member

Vince Riva has been a lifelong member of Redeemer. His family moved to Sarasota in 1955, and he was born in 1961. He was baptized and later confirmed at Redeemer. As a child and youth, Vince attended Sunday School and sang in the choir.

After college, Vince returned to Sarasota and started his career in law enforcement. He was hired by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in 1985 and retired in 2018. He spent most of his career in the detective bureau, investigating narcotic activity as well as major crimes and crimes against children. In 1997, Father Fred Robinson officiated his marriage to his wife, Debra, at Redeemer.

As an adult, Vince has served as a chalice bearer and sub-deacon. He has worked in the kitchen during various feasts and dinners. Vince has served as an usher, treasurer, and Salvation Army “bell-ringer.” He worked with Father Lampert during the origination of Redeemer’s Hispanic ministries, including driving the bus to pick up parishioners with no means of transportation. He was tasked with starting a “security committee” to examine security and safety within the church and implement strategies and equipment. In 2007, Vince was elected to the Vestry. In 2009, Father Robinson asked him to serve as Senior Warden.

Vince is a member of Men of Redeemer, helping with the annual steak night and golf tournaments. He volunteers as an 11 a.m. RAMBO (Redeemer Audiovisual Ministry Board Operator), controlling the audio and lighting for services.

Vince enjoys playing golf with friends and family and boating with his wife. He has been a season ticket holder to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball games for 25 years. He loves spending time with family, fishing, barbecuing, and traveling.