Remembering Patricia Rivera: A Life Dedicated to Family and Community

Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks, NC, October 16, 2025

News Summary

Patricia (Tricia) Rivera, a beloved long-time resident of Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks, has passed away at the age of 75. Known for her vibrant spirit, Tricia made significant contributions to her family and community throughout her life, including a career as a teacher and title examiner. She was also actively involved in the local arts scene. Tricia is survived by her husband, son, and extended family, who will celebrate her life with a gathering in Rocky Mount and a musical tribute on the Outer Banks.

Kitty Hawk, NC – Patricia (Tricia) Rivera, a long-time resident of the Outer Banks, passed away on October 9, 2025, at Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia. She was 75 years old and is remembered for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her family and community.

Tricia is survived by her husband Jim, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage, and her son Mark, along with his family: Jessi, Morgan, and James, all residing in Central, SC. Additionally, Tricia leaves behind her sister Penny Odom (married to Alan), nephew Austin Balk (married to Joia), and niece Lauren Dickens (married to Joe), all of whom live on the west coast. Extended family resides in the Rocky Mount, NC area. Tricia was pre-deceased by her daughter Becky and brother Joseph.

Born in Falmouth, MA, on Cape Cod, Tricia grew up near the beach, a backdrop that influenced her love for coastal life. She was the daughter of Marvin “Odie” Odom, a decorated WWII Navy fighter pilot and a senior captain at United Airlines, and Ottola Annette (Augusta) Odom, a housewife and community activist. Tricia’s family moved to Oceanport, NJ, during her childhood, where she attended Red Bank Catholic High School.

Tricia went on to earn a BA degree in Education from Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh, NY. After graduating, she returned to New Jersey and began her teaching career, instructing junior high and high school students in Monmouth County. Throughout her life, Tricia was engaged in the arts, participating with the Rumson Players, a semi-professional acting troupe, where she served as an actress and assistant director for their production of “The Fantasticks.”

In her personal life, after giving birth to her daughter Becky, the family moved to Haddam, CT. In Haddam, Tricia worked as the front desk librarian at Wesleyan University and later as a land title examiner for TRW Real Estate Services, traveling across eastern Connecticut. In 1990, Tricia and her family made the move to the Outer Banks, continuing her career as a title examiner for TRW, Stewart Title, and later as an independent examiner in Hampton Roads until her retirement.

Tricia’s dedication to her children, Becky and Mark, was evident in their achievements as they graduated from Manteo High School and received bachelor’s degrees from Clemson University. Known for her enthusiasm for college sports, Tricia was a devoted follower of various sports teams. In addition to her passion for academics, she rekindled her love for acting, performing in several productions by the Theatre of Dare.

An avid beachgoer, Tricia embraced the local live music scene, enjoying performances by artists such as The Wilders, Scott Sechman, and Ruth Wyand. As her family and friends remember her, they celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

No funeral service is planned. Instead, a family gathering is scheduled in Rocky Mount, NC, and a musical celebration of life will occur on the Outer Banks, with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Mustang Outreach Program for the education of young musicians. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family on Gallop Funeral Services’ website.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

NC12 Reopens but Ocracoke Island Remains Closed
Community Remembers Beloved Educator Patricia Rivera

Additional Resources

• The Coastland Times: Patricia Rivera
• Wikipedia: Obituary
• The Coastland Times: Kitty Hawk
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• The Coastland Times: Community
• Google Search: Patricia Rivera news

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.