Dr. Matthew G. Rivkin

Dr. Matthew G. Rivkin passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on May 1, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, Matthew was the beloved son of Esther and Harry Rivkin and brother to Charles Rivkin. He was a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend whose warmth, intellect, humor, and compassion touched countless lives.

Matthew spent his childhood in Sunnyside, Queens, where his curiosity and love of learning became evident early. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York City with the Class of 1955, excelling academically while also pursuing his passions for chess, the cello, and music as a member of the glee club and orchestra. Throughout his life, he often remarked that Stuyvesant was the most academically demanding institution he ever attended, even more rigorous than medical school.

He continued his education in Randolph-Macon College's accelerated pre-medical program before earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. Matthew completed his residency at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn and became a board-certified family physician, beginning a career defined by compassion, dedication, and service. His biggest cheerleader was his mother Esther who was exceedingly proud of her "son, the doctor."

From 1963 to 1965, he served as a public health physician for the Sioux community in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Just prior to relocating to South Dakota, he also welcomed his first child, Gerald (Jerry) Rivkin, into the world. He enjoyed working with the Sioux and brought back treasures and stories of his time spent on the reservation.

After returning to New York, Matthew settled in Monroe, where he established his family medical practice and later welcomed his daughter, Melissa Rivkin, in 1968. His practice eventually moved to Chester and finally to Goshen in 1981. For more than four decades, he cared for generations of families throughout Orange County while also serving patients at Arden Hill Hospital in Goshen and Horton Hospital in Middletown.

Matthew practiced family medicine during an era when family physicians truly cared for patients through every stage of life. He delivered babies, made house calls, and was often a comforting presence during life's most important and difficult moments. Among his favorite visits were his house calls to the Sisters of Mary Crest and the Jesuit priests at the Gonzaga Center in Monroe, New York. What began as professional care grew into genuine friendships, and he often stopped by simply to visit, even when no examination or checkup was needed.

To his patients, Dr. Rivkin was far more than a physician. He was a trusted listener, a reassuring presence, and a doctor who genuinely cared about every individual who walked through his door. Long after his retirement, former patients continued to speak of him with deep gratitude and affection, remembering not only his medical skills but also his kindness, patience, and unwavering commitment to their well-being.

Outside of medicine, Matthew's intellectual curiosity never waned. He loved to travel, immersing himself in the history of every destination and making certain not to miss a single museum plaque. He was an avid reader, sports fan, and a lifelong lover of classical music. An enthusiastic pianist, he filled his home with music, playing Bach's Inventions nearly every day. He was also a devoted patron of the performing arts and enjoyed attending concerts at West Point and as a season ticket holder at Alice Tully Hall. The fountain at Lincoln Center was the designated meeting point for many family outings.

Matthew delighted in games that challenged the mind. He loved chess, Scrabble, and bridge, continuing to play, and often win, even during the final years of his life despite living with dementia. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor brought laughter to all and brightened countless everyday moments.

After retiring from medicine in the 1990s, Matthew embraced life with the same enthusiasm he had brought to his career. He divided his time between Goshen, New York, and Boynton Beach, Florida, enjoying friendships, playing bridge, the beach, ballroom dancing, and even served as a ballroom dance cruise host during his early retirement.

Family was the center of Matthew's life. Nothing made him happier than gathering with those he loved. He rarely missed a family celebration and took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, always eager to share their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. His love, encouragement, and steadfast support will remain with his family always.

Even in the final month of his life, Matthew's lifelong love of sports remained undiminished. He followed football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and tennis with remarkable enthusiasm and could hardly believe the news that the New York Knicks had finally won a championship.

Matthew is survived by his son, Gerald (Jerry) Rivkin of St. Augustine, Florida; his daughter, Melissa Rivkin of New York City; his former wife of 23 years, Alvis ("Ginger") Rivkin; his daughter-in-law, Carol Rivkin; his beloved grandchildren, Hannah and Skyler Rivkin; his nephew, Douglas Rivkin; and many extended family members, his cherished caregivers, friends and grateful former patients whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A memorial service celebrating Matthew's life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Donovan Funeral Home in Goshen, New York.

Matthew devoted his life to caring for others, with wisdom, humility, kindness, and strength. Whether treating generations of families, sharing music, challenging a friend to a game of chess, or simply spending time with those he loved, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of compassion, service, and love will continue to live on through his family, his friends, and the countless patients whose lives he touched.