Jose Manuel Lopez Rivera passed away in his sleep at his residence on June 20, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. He was born on October 2, 1956 to Ismael Torres Lopez and Jenny Rivera in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
He was raised in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico but later graduated from Ramey Airforce Base High School in Aguadilla. He later pursued a degree in Criminal Justice at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and after completing graduation, enlisted in the United States Army. Post- basic training, he returned to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico where he married his college sweetheart Maria Elena Lopez on May 19, 1979. After being honorably discharged, Sargent Jose Lopez-Rivera pursued many career interests. In his life, he served as a Prison Correction Officer, an INS Officer, Central Park Ranger, and NYPD Officer for the great state of New York. He would later serve his remaining professional career as a New York Postal Police Officer. Jose was an accomplished black belt, gunsmith and Army Veteran.
He is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer Michelle Lopez, Stephanie Marie Lopez and Brenda Lee Lopez. His wife Maria Elena Lopez and Mother Jenny Rivera.
He enjoyed playing his congas, spending time with his grandchildren and believed that duty to country was the highest calling. We mourn his passing but will keep the memory and fullness of his life upstanding.
Services will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home on Saturday June 29, 2019. Visitation from 11 AM – 12 PM, service at 12 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Wounded Warriors Project; www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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