Tammy M. Rivera

Tammy Marie Rivera, of Piscataway, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of January 28, 2026, at her residence, at the age of 53.

Mrs. Rivera was born at Saint Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, New Jersey. She was raised in Irvington and later resided in Avenel, Woodbridge, Edison, and Piscataway. Tammy was a 1991 graduate of Colonia High School and continued her education at Everest Institute, where she pursued a career as a Certified Medical Assistant. She was deeply dedicated to her patients and took great pride in caring for others.

Tammy met her late husband, Manuel H. Rivera, in Avenel through their shared love of pool. Together, they participated in numerous leagues throughout Union County, forming lasting friendships along the way.

Tammy found joy in cooking, spending time with family and friends, and especially in making memories with her daughters. She also enjoyed getting her hair and nails done and perfecting her makeup. There was never a time where she didn't have her unsweetened green tea. An animal lover, Tammy adored her cat, Gata, and her grand-puppies Teddy, Cooper, and Bentley. Her heart and soul were as beautiful as her smile, and she would do anything she could to help others.

Mrs. Rivera was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law, aunt, niece, and friend, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her two daughters, Alexis Rivera and Brianna Rivera; her brother, Paul Kunzle, and his wife, Christy Kunzle; her nieces, Noelle, Jayla, and Lacey; and her in-laws: Jimmy Rivera and his wife, Pamela Rivera; Noel Rivera and his wife, Shannon Rivera; Lawrence Rivera; Linda Bota and her husband, Joshua Bota; and Lyda Rivera-Wilson and her husband, Marquel Wilson; as well as her mother-in-law, Octavia Rivera. She is also survived by their children: Emily, Brandon, Cameron, Evan, Isabella, Laila, Sabrina, Lucas, Mariah, and Mylah.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Paul and Patricia Kunzle; her father-in-law, Augusto Rivera; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Rivera, all of whom she loved dearly.

A viewing will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home located at 275 West Milton Avenue in Rahway, NJ.

A Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Rahway Cemetery located at 1670 St. Georges Avenue in Rahway, NJ.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIVESTREAM - https://youtube.com/live/izPjQWLhAhM?feature=share