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BORN

1979

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Gormley Funeral Home LLC

2706 Atlantic Avenue

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Jefferson Rivera Obituary

Jefferson Rivera

Jefferson Rivera, age 45, of Egg Harbor Township died November 3, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jeff was raised in Atlantic City by his mother Cayetana and attended the Atlantic City Public Schools. In 1998, Jeff met his lifelong friend and mentor Janet, whom he worked for at Chester's Flowers for many years. During his employment, Jeff fell in love with his wife Lisbet who has been by his side ever since.

In 2006, Jefferson was sworn in as an Atlantic City Police Officer. While attending the police academy, Jeff affectionately earned the nickname of "gummy bear" while visiting the county jail by one of the inmates. Upon successfully completing the Cape May County Police Academy in 2007, Jefferson was immediately transferred to "Vice" where he excelled as an undercover detective. Later in his career, Jefferson was transferred to the "Tac Team" before being honorably promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December of 2019. Jeff's love of America and spiritual faith carried him through a successful law enforcement career where he eventually ascended as an admired mentor to the next generation of police officers.

Jeff spent most of his adult life caring for his children that now survive him; Eric, Jefferson Jr., Erica, and Emily. Jeff is also survived by his loving wife, Lisbet and mother, Cayetana; as well as countless family, friends, and coworkers. Jeff lived everyday for his family and that's what gave him the strength to fight as hard as he could for as long as he could.

The culmination of Jefferson's life journey concludes with him being reunited with his brother Eric who preceded him in death in 2006, while proudly serving America while deployed in Iraq. Both Jefferson and Eric were pillars of their community and will now stand guard together in heaven.

The Funeral Mass for Jefferson Rivera will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on California Avenue. Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations for his family can be sent to Atlantic City PBA Local #24 in care of Jefferson, 250 N. New York Avenue, Ste. 121 Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC 2706 Atlantic Avenue, AC.

Gormley Funeral Home

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press of Atlantic City on Nov. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jefferson Rivera

Sponsored by CLOSED-Gormley Funeral Home LLC.

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4 Entries

Tiffany Beckett

November 8, 2024

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to Jeff and his loving family and friends.I am so very sorry for your loss! He was such a beacon of light!!

Crystal Smith

November 8, 2024

My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please know that you are not alone in your grief.
May the memories of their bravery and dedication bring you some comfort as you navigate through this loss.
Our community has lost a hero, and we will forever be grateful for their service and sacrifice.
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for the loss of such a dedicated officer. Please accept our deepest condolences.
I was proud to be your nurse for a while and know you so well.

Donna Graves

November 7, 2024

Cayetana! I am so very sorry for the loss of your son! I remember how much he loved you! Praying for you and your family

Classic Ivory  A Florist Original

Brandon Solano& Kelly Sweeney

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Memorial Events
for Jefferson Rivera

Nov

8

Calling hours

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Church

on California Avenue, NJ

Nov

8

Funeral Mass

11:30 a.m.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Church

on California Avenue, NJ

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Gormley Funeral Home LLC

2706 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

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