Photo courtesy of B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Virginia
Jan 1, 1945 – Jun 10, 2025
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.
Read MoreWe 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
Phyllis Allen
September 13, 2025 | Virginia Beach, VA | Friend
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.
Eric Kaiser
July 15, 2025 | North Myrtle Beach, SC | Friend
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.
Barbara Menoni
July 15, 2025 | Portsmouth, VA | Friend
The greatest of friends.
Lee Smith
July 10, 2025 | Portsmouth, VA | Friend
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.
Doug Jones
July 09, 2025 | Chesapeake, VA | Friend
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.
Stephen Jenkins - Chief of Police
July 08, 2025 | Portsmouth, VA | Coworker
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.
Ron Evers
July 07, 2025 | Carrsville, VA | Military
My condolences to the family
Freddie Sessoms
July 06, 2025 | Suffolk, VA | Friend
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.
Sally McGhee-Soderholm
July 06, 2025 | Virginia Beach, VA | Friend
