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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Martin B. Rivera, Jr. Obituary
CHESAPEAKE—Martin Blanco Rivera, Jr., affectionately known as Chico, of Chesapeake, Virginia, was called to rest by our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Chico was born in Guam and is predeceased by his parents, Martin Blanco Rivera, Sr. and Flora Matanane Atoigue Rivera; stepmother Maria Santos Rivera; his sister Antonette Marie Rivera; Godparents/Aunt and Uncle Alejandrina “Dinang” Atoigue Manibusan and Joaquin V.E. Manibusan, Sr.; Aunt and Uncle Guadalupe Blanco Rivera Charfauros and Tomas Babauta Charfauros, Sr.
Chico will be missed dearly by Carolyn Pedersen, who shared his life; lifelong friends Doug and Dottie Jones; and by cousins, neighbors, and numerous friends.
Chico served as a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army Reserve for twenty-five years and received several honors and awards. He was also a police officer for twenty years with the Portsmouth, Virginia Police Department. Chico loved dancing. He was a member of the Virginia Shaggers Hall of Fame.
A graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin B. Rivera, Jr.
13 Entries
Phyllis Allen
September 13, 2025
We are very sorry for the loss of Chico. He was a wonderful, loving man. He will be missed by all. We lived in the same area and went to school together. We danced and had a lot of good times. He was very well known for his dancing. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Lucky Allen and Phyllis Foutz Allen
Eric Kaiser
July 15, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear about Chico. He was a great friend and influence on me as I was navigating my teen years. He was also a groomsman in my wedding! Rest in Peace. Much love to his friends and family.
Barbara Menoni
July 15, 2025
On behalf of the Menoni and Michaud family, we would like to offer our condolences on the loss of our dear friend, Chico. He was very special to us and will be missed. Wonderful person and very close to our hearts. He was a great person and a great police officer.
Lee Smith
July 10, 2025
The greatest of friends.
How you can show support
Doug Jones
July 9, 2025
Chico and I became friends in 1958. We went to Great Bridge High (class of 1963). Spent many nights at the Peppermint. We remained friends over the years getting together often.
Rest in peace old friend. Until we meet again.
Stephen Jenkins - Chief of Police
July 8, 2025
On behalf of the City of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Police Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of the esteemed former police officer, Martin Blanco Rivera Jr (retired). He served our city with dedication and honor for over 20 years. We sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment and service to the citizens of Portsmouth and to the United States of America.
Ron Evers
July 7, 2025
Condolences to the family for your loss. I met Chico in 1989 when I was transferred to Ft Story as First Sergeant of a company. He was my Training NCO at that time and we became friends. We as Vietnam combat veterans had a lot in common. Great sense of humor. In 1991, during Desert Storm, our unit was actvated for active duty and sent to Ft Eustis. Chico was always there as my No 2 and I could always depend on him to get things done. Rest in Peace my friend and comrade in arms.
Freddie Sessoms
July 6, 2025
My condolences to the family
Sally McGhee-Soderholm
July 6, 2025
Chico was aHigh School Friend who kindly gave me a ride to All State Chorus one year and was also such a fun person always. I am so sorry for his loss.
Ralph and Freddie Mazza
July 6, 2025
Chico was a very dear friend and we will miss him dearly. He was always someone you could count on to do anything. He was a great dancer, friend, and mentor. He could tell some great stories, some short and some long! He always wanted to get that "Hole in One" on the golf course, even if it was in his dreams! Rest well our friend and know we will see you on Heaven's dance floor one day.
Love,
Freddie and Ralph
Lee Smith
July 4, 2025
Great guy, great friend
Angela Anderson
July 4, 2025
I am heartbroken. Chico was my "brother" from other parents. It's been several years since I last saw him, and I can't believe this news. So many times he was the medic units backup (me when he knew I was working); always thankful!!! We enjoyed so many great laughs and, oh the jokes he'd play on me with the help of my medic partners! I will remember our bond forever Chico!! Thank you for the memories!!! Rest easy my friend.
Laura Maiorana
July 3, 2025
Loved dancing with him! He was such a sweet man...will sorely miss him.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Memorial Events
for Martin B. Rivera, Jr.
Jul
10
Graveside service
1:00 p.m.
Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery
5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434
Funeral services provided by:
B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth1926 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704