RAFAEL R. RIVERA

     Rafael  R. Rivera, age 90 years, of Browns Mills, Pemberton Twp., NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

     Born on October 27, 1932, Rafael grew up in the mountains of Canóvanas, Puerto Rico and was the eldest of ten children. He enlisted in the United States Army and started his career at  the age of 18 years. Rafael was stationed in Germany where he met his wife Anna at a pop shop. During his time in the military he served a tour in Korean and two tours in Vietnam. Rafael retired as a Master Sergeant and then pursued a civil service career as a power plant operator on McGuire Air Force base. 

     In his retirement Rafael enjoyed smoking cigars and gardening with his best friend, Captain Morgan. In his later years, Rafael moved in with his youngest son and daughter in law, Dan and Laura, where he was loved and cared for. Rafael is survived by his three sons Daniel Rivera (Laura), Fred Rivera (Terri) and Lou Rivera (Carmen), six grandchildren and several great grandchildren.    

     The viewing and visitation will be held at The Lankenau Funeral Home, 31 Elizabeth St., Pemberton, NJ 08068 on Monday morning, June 5th from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:45 AM.  The interment with military honors will be held 1:00 PM at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Rd, Arneytown, N. Hanover Twp., NJ 08562.

     Rafael will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

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