Obituary of Jefferson Rivera

Jefferson Rivera 45 of Egg Harbor Township, passed away November 3, 2024 following 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 Lisbet who became his wife and 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 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 who now survive him; Eric, Jefferson Jr., Erika, and Emily. Jeff is also survived by his loving wife Lisbet and mother Cayetana, a well as countless family, friends and co-workers. Jeff lived every day for his family and that's what gave him the strength to fight as hard as he could for so 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. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Jefferson Rivera 11:30am Friday, November 8, 2024, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church 2651 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Friends may call at the Church from 9:30am until Mass at 11:30am. The Rite of Committal will be offered at Holy Cross Cemetery 5061 Harding Highway (Route 40) Mays Landing, following Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations for his family can be sent to: Atlantic City PBA Local #24 in memory of Jefferson, 250 North New York Avenue, Ste 121 Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC,AC (gormleyfuneralhomellc.com)