Sergeant Joe R. Rivera, 59, passed away May 31, 2021.  He was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico the son of Ramón Rivera and Josefa Ocasio.  Joe is a United States Marine Veteran who went on to serve at the Suffolk Police Department.  He is a dedicated public servant who has served the citizens of Suffolk with grace and distinction.   Joe has served as a member of the Suffolk Honor Guard, the Suffolk SWAT Team, the Suffolk Neighborhood Enforcement Team (N.E.T), and is currently a Suffolk Patrol Sergeant.    He spends his time off at home helping dog lovers train their pups to be good pups.

In addition to his parents, Joe is survived by his wife of 18 years, Pamela Ruth Bocks Rivera; daughter, Jessica Grotti and husband, Frank; granddaughter, Jordan Long; sister, Brenda Rivera; half-brothers, Jorge and Oswald Rivera; nephew, Julian Rivera and wife, Myra; niece, Courtney Rivera; great nieces and nephews, Julian, Jedehl, Jhane, Mia, and Myles Rivera.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church, 3488 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434 with Pastor Mike Harris officiating.  Burial with Military and Police Honors will follow at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.  The family is requesting that if you are in the military or on the police force that you wear your uniform and all other guests can wear blue to show your support.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family at https://gofund.me/a826db22 .  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com .