Nelson Rivera, age 66, of Douglasville, passed away on October 16, 2024. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 10, 1958, son of the late Benigno Rivera and the late Nelly Rodriguez Rivera. Nelson was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and worked in law enforcement for 15 years in the city of Vineland and Buena Boro New Jersey.

During his law enforcement career, Nelson held several roles, including patrolman, criminal investigation officer, DARE officer, and juvenile officer. He served on the Drug and Alcohol Alliance Committee as a representative and was the senior advisor for the Police Explorers program. Nelson also participated in the Russian Police Exchange Program and was named Patrolman of the Year. He loved serving his community and his church, God was the center of his life. He was a dedicated member of Victory International Church.

After his retirement, Nelson continued to serve his community by volunteering at food banks and participating on the law enforcement board with his wife. He loved fishing, sharing his AIKI DO techniques with others, and above all, his family meant the world to him.

He is survived by his wife, Migdalia Cardona Rivera; children, Michelle Mandani (Anthony), Nedinne Rivera, David Rivera, Amanda Rivera (Thomas Falcon); grandchildren, Andrew Beltran, Steven Henderson, Kylee Mandani, Jordan Rivera; siblings, Benjamin Rivera, Haydee Rodriguez, Samuel Rivera.

In addition to his parents, Nelson was also preceded in death by his brother, Israel Rivera, and his brother-in-law, Douglas Rodriguez.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Hightower's Memorial Chapel from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm in the chapel at the funeral home with Pastor Akorede Kore A Kindele and Pastor Josh Pate officiating.

Interment will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.hightowersmemorial.com.

Hightower's Memorial Chapel of Douglasville has charge of the arrangements.