Saturday, August 21, 2021

Jesse A. Rivera was welcomed into the arms of his heavenly Father on August 21, 2021, peacefully, a few weeks after his 70th birthday.

He was raised in Passaic, NJ, and attended Passaic High School. After graduation, he attended Rutgers University, Livingston College where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.  He obtained a Masters of Divinity at the Seminary of the East (Bethel Seminary).  He retired from NJ Judiciary, as an Operations Manager after a number of years as the first Puerto Rican Jury Manager of Middlesex County, NJ.

His hobbies extended to guitars, electronics, pens, photography, and bike riding.  Recipient of the distinguished NJ State Governor's Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2013 for volunteerism, he was often found on social community boards, such as local churches, ministries, Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Creekside Recreation Committee, and the Emergency Services with the Salvation Army.  He was never short of sharing God's Word and finding opportunities to better the world with his big heart and contagious, dimpled smile.   He embraced his passion to lead others to the Lord by serving as Pastor of Discipleship, Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and a leader with the Christian Service Brigade.

SURVIVORS: He is predeceased by his parents, Andres and Vitalia Rivera, his sister, Vita Rivera, and survived by his brother, Raphael Vera and his wife, Cathy Vera.  He celebrated 49 blissful years of marriage with the love of his life, Norma I. Rivera. They had three adoring children, Nova J. Crespo and her husband, Hector Crespo Jr., Jesse A. Rivera and his wife, Joanne Rivera, and Robert Rivera.  He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Angelique, Elaina, Christina, Krista, Cassiana, Derek, and Matthew.  He is loved and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church 7 Mount Lebanon Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 beginning at 9:30am on Friday, August 27, 2021.   Following the Visitation there will be a Funeral Service Friday at the church at 11:00am.  Entombment will be Friday at 1:00pm at Lawn Croft Cemetery 1000 W Ridge Rd, Linwood, PA 19061.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Navigators, a ministry near and dear to Jesse in his memory would be greatly appriciated. www.navigators.org.

Or by calling 1-866-568-7827.

Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com

The services can be viewed via zoom at the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88292313606?pwd=ai9HLzg5Q1dIYkROOFVmTFcvckJ5dz09

Meeting ID: 882 9231 3606

Passcode: 044224

Service Location Brandywine Valley Baptist Church Get Directions

Begins: Aug 27, 2021 11:00am - 12:30pm

7 Mt Lebanon Rd. Wilmington , DE 19803 Cemetery Location Lawn Croft Cemetery Get Directions

Aug 27, 2021 1:00pm - 1:30pm

1000 W. Ridge Road Linwood, PA 19061 Condolences