Justin M. Rivera

Justin Matthew Rivera, age 31, passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2025 in his home in Philadelphia. Born in Newark, DE, and raised in Kennett Square, PA, he was the beloved son of Leonard J. Rivera and Gayle P. Lafferty. 

As a child, Justin was a delight to his parents, grandparents, and extended family. He was a precocious, inquisitive, energetic boy with an aptitude for computers, gaming, and music. He grew up to be a kind, compassionate, responsible man. He was a loving big brother to his sister, Julia, and his siblings, Sydney Oates, Ryan Morfei, and Reid Morfei and a loyal friend to those in his inner circle. 

Justin was a magnet of joy whose presence will be deeply missed. His wit and wry humor brought smiles in unexpected ways, and he left a lasting impression on all who knew him. 

After his graduation from Kennett High School, Justin attended Drexel University. He graduated in 2016, earning two degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Justin worked as a software engineer at JP Morgan Chase in Wilmington, DE. 

In addition to his technological aptitude, Justin was fiercely creative and combined his skills to design and hand-animate a platform fighting video game. He also channeled his creativity into music and songwriting, playing trombone for nearly a decade, and teaching himself guitar in college. 

In addition to his parents and siblings, Justin is survived by his stepmother, Shannon Oates-Rivera and his stepfather, Marc Morfei; grandparents, Joan Lafferty and Anna and Eliot Rivera, Sallie McMinn Kleine and Pete Kleine, and Joe and Judi Morfei. He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his grandfather, John Lafferty. 

You are invited to visit with Justin’s family and friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 West 13th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806. A celebration of his life will begin at 3:00 PM with an open-house reception in the church to follow from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Interment will be held privately. 

The family appreciates your love and concern during this most difficult time. Justin was proud of his Latino heritage as was his father and sister. If you are so moved to do so, contributions in his memory may be made to a fundraiser established to benefit The Latino Luncheon Scholarship Fund or Children International

 Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Justin's online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com