1959
2014
Jeffrey Richard Nafis, 55, passed away suddenly at his home on June 22nd. Jeffrey was born on April 1, 1959 in Huntington, New York to the late Charlotte and Donald Nafis. Jeffrey spent most of his life in Sparta, New Jersey and developed a love for the wooded, suburban town. He left Sparta to serve in the United States Marine Corps before returning to his hometown where he served as a member of the Sparta Township Police Department. He quickly climbed the ranks within the police department and held many positions including that of First Lieutenant. During his career at the police department, Jeffrey touched the lives of many people and earned a reputation of being a tough, but fair cop and someone who worked to improve his community. After 26 years of service, Jeffrey retired and shifted his efforts into expanding upon his longtime locksmithing skills and opening his own business- Nafis Lock, Safe, and Security. Jeffrey was a certified master locksmith, member of the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths, and a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America. Jeff enjoyed his locksmithing and spent most of his time refurbishing safes, assisting people with their locksmithing needs, and attending and teaching locksmith seminars. Jeffrey was a natural teacher and enjoyed sharing all aspects of his knowledge to help those around him grow. He was a long time member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Newton. Jeffrey is survived by his wife Moe; children: Shawn, Jamie, her husband Rob, Kayla, Alan, and Lauren; his older brother Andy, his wife Elizabeth; his twin George, his wife Joan, their two children Hope and Donnie; his cousin Tara; and his uncle George Martin. Jeffrey is remembered as a strong individual who spent his life serving his community. He was always the first to arise to a challenge and the last to leave. He dedicated his life to elevating those around him and being a helping hand in every way he could. He will be truly missed. Friends may call Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 2-4, 7-9pm at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. A funeral service will be held at 10am Thursday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 37 Newton Sparta Rd., Newton, NJ 07860.
www.goblefuneral.com
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July 14, 2014
Eileen Hodges
Dear Lauren and Family
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I did not know your father but his dedication to community is very much a part of his legacy that you are aspiring to.
July 2, 2014
Sylvia Bernard
Lauren,
I would like to extend to you and your family my deepest sympathy for your loss; you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
June 30, 2014
Florence
Dear Lauren and Family, So very sorry to learn about the tragic loss of your beloved father. I wish you the comfort of your memories.
With Love from Florence at ADV
June 30, 2014
Kim & Bob Bloemer
Our deepest sympathy to the Nafis family
June 28, 2014
Karen Smith
Hi folks, I just heard of your loss. While Jeff & I haven't talked in years, seeing his smile brought back all sorts of wonderful memories. Please know you are in my thoughts & prayers.
June 27, 2014
Ed Fransen
Nafis Family please accept my heart felt prayers and love for all of you. I am shocked as I am sure many are at this passing. Jeff was just and outstanding human being and we shared many great times throughout life . From EMT days to law enforcement. I will join the ranks of thousands who have been touched and honored to have been a friend. May all of the stories and accolades for Jeff ease the loss. Again much love to you all.
June 26, 2014
Dee Drake
You are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need please call me 973-729-3215.
June 26, 2014
TONY FREDA
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE NAFIS FAMILY FOR THE LOSS OF A WONDERFUL PERSON. I KNEW HIM WELL. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY. HE WILL BE MISSED.
June 26, 2014
Kevin Grady
My condolences to Maureen & Family, George & Family Andy & Beth & to everyone's life that this man touched. He was a great Friend , Husband, Police Officer, Neighbor & we all were benefactors by having him in our lives. RIP Jeff your memory will be with us always!
June 25, 2014
Derreck & Kendra Nop
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers, may God comfort you in the days ahead.
June 25, 2014
So sorry to hear about Jeffery's passing. I saw him at Redeemer when I was in NJ. I knew his brother George very well and will pray for him and the family Helmut and Lios Boehl
June 25, 2014
Pat Wegener
My heart goes out to the family of Jeff. He was an assets to the Sparta community Any time I saw him he would ask how my son was doing with genuine concern. He help to mold Arthur into the caring man, father and Police Officer that he is today. Be at Peace now Jeff you worked very hard in this life. Please continue to watch over Art from heaven.
June 25, 2014
Linda Schroeder
Thank you, Jeff----for always being game to say hi to the foster dogs I would bring down to the gas station! Even the shy ones, and the ones who showed their teeth----you were so patient with them all.
I appreciated all your help with the dogs and other things......the world is truly a darker place without your light.
June 25, 2014
Dan Cuperus
To George, my sincere condolences to you and your family. May The Lord grant you peace during this difficult time.
June 25, 2014
We have lost a good friend and caring person. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family , may god bless them and help them through Jeff's passing.
Joe and Rose Kistle ( Dingmans Ferry, PA)
June 25, 2014
Bill and Judy Fury
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing and will miss his thoughtful input at locksmith meetings and classes, but more than that, his always pleasant, positive and helpful attitude in everything he did. To all his family we offer our sympathy and prayers for peace and comfort.
June 25, 2014
So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I knew him through my work at a chiropractic office, and always enjoyed him whether it was in the office or randomly around Sparta. He always remembered to ask about my mom's health and how things were going with me. I was so pleased for him to "retire" and start the next chapter of his life. My prayers are with his family and brother, George. You all lost a good man too soon. Nancy Pinto, Vernon,NJ
June 25, 2014
Ryan Family
We are deeply saddened by the news of Jeff's passing. Words cannot express our sorrow over the loss of this kindhearted man. Our hearts and prayers are with Jeff and his family. May Jeff's soul rest in peace.
June 25, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Nafis family. Jeffwas a good friend and will be sorely missed.. RIP buddy. Frank Saracino
Vernon, NJ
June 25, 2014
James Cullen
Jeff was my Morris County Police Academy classmate and it was obvious from the moment we met that he was a born leader. When my wife Kathy began working as a physical therapist in Sparta, Jeff was sure to keep an eye out for the safety of her team when they worked evening hours. He was an outstanding representative of the Sparta community, both professionally and personally. He was taken far too young,and will be missed. Godspeed, my police brother. And to my fellow sea service member: Fair Winds and Following Seas, always. Lt. James Cullen, Morristown Bureau of Police. MCPA 27th Basic Police Class, 1986
June 24, 2014
Art Wegener
We lost a great friend, man , leader and mentor. Jeff was one of the reasons I became a police officer and one of the main reasons I still mentor teens just as he mentored me as a young Sparta kid. Thank you Jeff for all you did for me, my family, my friends and the entire Sparta community. Go be with Jesus and I will see you soon. Prayers and condolences for your entire family. We were all blessed to have known you. Smile down brother knowing what an impact you made of so many of our lives.
June 24, 2014
Karen Tracy
Moe and family, we are so saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. He was a wonderful man, a genuine, caring and concerned friend and neighbor. We are so sorry for your loss. May God hold him in the palm of His hand. With our deepest sympathies, Bob, Karen, Jenna and Travis Tracy
June 24, 2014
Susan King
My condolences to the Nafis family. Jeff was a sweet and kind man. My love to Lauren, George, Hope, and Donnie. My Jeff rest in peace with our lord.
June 24, 2014
MaryBeth Rambush
It was a pleasure of haveing Jeff as my neighbor while growing^in Sparta&going to school@SpartaHighSchool with you&George&You were there for my parent's this past winter!You will be miss.
June 24, 2014
Robert and Laurie Kutzman
We will always remember the good times we had with Jeff. He always made us laugh and smile. He will be greatly missed and forever held in our hearts.
June 24, 2014
Kathy Hand
My condolences to the Nafis family at this time of great loss. Praying for your comfort.
June 24, 2014
Cathy Vonderahe
Good heart,kind soul an officer and a gentle man. Jeff gave us such support thru our most difficult of times,an unexpected knock on our door just to see how we were doing.Great loss for this community and for all of us whose lives he touched.Our deepest sympathy to his family. Al and Cathy Vonderahe
June 24, 2014
Dan Murphy
Jeff was the best. worked with him in Emergency Management he will be missed by all. God Bless the Family.
June 24, 2014
Polly Payson
I'm so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I hadn't seen him in many years, but I remember him as such a nice, caring person. So sad.
June 24, 2014
Connie Henderson
Andy, Liz and the entire Nafis family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He is in God's loving care now.
June 24, 2014
Rob and Colleen Tosti
Our deepest and most hearfelt condolences to Moe and all the Nafis family and relatives. -Rob and Colleen Tosti
June 24, 2014
Coleen Howell
My heart is broken on the loss of this wonderful man. My prayers are with your family. Rest in Peace my dearest friend.
June 24, 2014
Donna Clayton Wade
I am so very sad to hear of the passing of my dear classmate Jeff. My mind floods with so many great memories of our times at SHS. I would sit with him during study hall classes and we would talk and just laugh until we cried. He had the best sense of humor and such a warm and wonderful personality. Always kind and helpful, he was everyone's friend.
My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends in their time of great sorrow. He will always be your guardian and your light. Gone way too young, but he will always be remembered in the hearts of all of those who loved him. I was blessed to have been able to call you my friend Jeff. You will always be remembered with a smile. God bless you and keep you wrapped in his loving arms, until we are all called home, and we meet again.
June 24, 2014
Cathy& Michael Bentler
Lauren and family,My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
June 24, 2014
Lisa Law
We are so sad to hear of Jeff's passing. Condolences to Moe, Lauren and the rest of the family from the Law Family (Lisa, Michael, Victoria, Spencer and Courtney)
June 24, 2014
Dear Ms Moe and Ms Jamie; With heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband and father, may he rest in peace. I will pray that you heal from your loss. Gina Agosta and Anthony Zachares (Willowglen)
June 24, 2014
Bill Timmann Sr.
Ever since I met Jeff we hit it off with the advice he sought in the locksmithing industry and our own ideals he has been there to console and be a good friend. We just had dinner together on June 16, 2014 before our locksmithing meeting and we had a great conversation about life. I will forever miss you brother rest in peace it was great knowing you.
Bill Timmann, CML Phillipsburg, NJ
June 24, 2014
Merrill Keenan
My deepest condolances to the Nafis family. Jeff was a wonderful, kind man who will be missed by many.
June 24, 2014
Martin Kelly
Dear Moe and family , we are so sorry to hear of Jeff``s passing,We are thinking and praying for you at this sad time.
Martin & Bernardine Kelly (Straffan Ireland)
June 24, 2014
Bruce White CML
My Dear friend,
You may not be with us in the physical, but your kindness and personality will be felt for a long time.
June 24, 2014
Carl & Mary Lind
Remembering a good friend and a great person. Jeff was a true inspiration to all that knew him. I wouldn't even venture a guess of how many people's lives Jeff touched for the positive, as a loving person and superb police officer. Our condolences and prayers to his family. May Jeff rest in peace.
June 24, 2014
Rae Ann Gerow
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you
June 24, 2014
Pam Gallagher (Hunsicker)
Jeff is the epitome of a kind and gentle man. Rest in peace jeff
June 24, 2014
Russell and Joan Smith
Rest in Peace Jeff. Prayers for you and your family.
June 23, 2014
karen carroll
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to my sister Moe and my nieces and nephew. (:
June 23, 2014
Karen Carroll
My heart is filled with sorrow. Sending my deepest sympathy to my sister Moe and my nieces and nephew. (:
June 23, 2014
Denise Caputo
Dear Lauren and family I am so very sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. As the daughter of a police officer I know there is an extended family of officers to lean on but I'm here if anyone needs anything. I love you lauren !
June 23, 2014
Robert Benvenuti III
I cannot believe you are gone my friend. You were a man of honor, principle, and loyalty. You served our Country and our community. You led by example and were always true to your word. You stood tall for what was right and never wavered. You answered the bell without hesitation. You always gave far more than you would accept in return. You embodied all that a friend should be. You made the world a better place. You will not be forgotten. God Bless you Jeff.
June 23, 2014
Jeanine French
So very sad to hear of Jeff's passing. I knew him for many years as a kid growing up nnn in Sparta. I believe he was the officer who pulled me over for the first time as a new driver trying to beat the lights flying down Station Road when school got out. He gave me a ticket that day annnnnndddd a lecture. He was a good man. A fabulous police officer. Helped my family countless times during difficult situations. A huge loss. Taken too soon. My most sincere sympathies to George, Joan, Hope and Donnie and to the entire Nafis family.
Jeanine Steffen-French and Family
June 23, 2014
Carl Recksiek
I met Jeff when we were young Police Officers at County College of Morris and became instant friends. Through the years I saw what a caring, helpful and kind hearted person he truly was. After our retirements Jeff, I and our mutual fellow officer and friend Glenn began bonding more and started a new enjoyable chapter in our lives. All to brief. The world is sadder in his untimely passing but a better place in all the lives that Jeff touched in his positive way. You will be sorely missed Brother.
June 23, 2014
Joe Sapio
To my friend. You will never be forgotten, nor can you be replaced. Our friendship through the years meant more that I can ever express. You were always there when I needed you the most, for that I thank you. George, Andy, and Moe I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff since I cant end this message as we always ended our phone calls I love you. Till we meet again my dear friend. Tell Eddie I said hi. You will be missed.
June 23, 2014
Steven & Silvia Opresnick
Our Deepest Sympathy to Moe and the Nafis family,
Jeff was a great man and was always there to lend a helping hand. He was a great neighbor and friend to us all. He will be surely missed. We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Opresnick family
June 23, 2014
Dear Moe, George, Andy, spouses and children our sadness for your loss is painful. Jeff was a special friend to our children, as well as Bob and I. After our relocation to Kentucky from Sparta Jeff would always contact us when he was in our area for locksmith related classes. We have enjoyed special times with him here, most recently this Spring. How blessed we are to have that wonderful memory.
Carole and Bob Benvenuti
June 23, 2014
Julie Yahraus
I am so very sorry for this great loss of Jeff, he was a good man, always willing to help and had a heart of gold! He will be missed by many....
June 23, 2014
Joe Sapio
My friend. You will never be forgotten nor can you be replaced. Our friendship through the years meant more to me that I could ever express. You were a true friend and a true gentleman. George, Andy, and Moe I am sorry for your loss. To my friend Jeff, since we cant end our phone call as we always did ill say it here , I love you. Till we meet again. God bless. Your friend Joe.
June 23, 2014
Michael Errico
I'm so sorry for your loss. Jeff was ready to help anyone when they needed it, like my wife before she passed away. He was the man for the neighborhood. God Bless him.
Your neighbor, Mike Errico
June 23, 2014
Carole Holden
The Nafis family - especially brothers Andy and George - will be remembered in our prayers. Jeff will be missed as we knew him as a young boy and as a warm, compassionate man. Thank you, Jeff, for your service to our country and community. May God hold you gently in the palm of His hand and bring your family comfort at this sad time.
With our deepest sympathy,
Richard and Carole Holden
June 23, 2014
Nancy Parker
Jeff was one of the good guys. He helped me out during a crisis with a tenant a number of years ago by changing the locks in a hurry and at some crazy hour. Going back many years, knowing many generations of Sparta Police, he was one of the best. He would temper his position with good public relations to those in the community...a quality sometimes missing today. I'll remember the gentleness that came through that nice smile. He left too soon. Condolences to his family. Nancy Chase Parker
June 23, 2014
Pastor and Kathy Diamond
To George, Andy, and Moe, along with all the other family members--we want to wish you our deepest sympathy upon your loss. Jeff was very dear to us and helped us a great deal during out time in NJ. He was a dear friend and brother, and we will always cherish his generous spirit. May Christ be your comfort in these hard hours. We are praying for all of you, and we send all our love--Pastor and Kathy Diamond
June 23, 2014
We are shocked and saddened by the passing of such a great man. Our sincerest condolences to the Nafis family. Nancy & Jimmy Weiss
June 23, 2014
Glenn Macierowski
In these last couple of months I have had the extreme honor of getting to know Jeff more and more. We had made a lot of future plans, mostly involving relaxing and just getting to know each other more and more. Talking with Jeff was almost like looking in the mirror. He and I were so much a like we were always amazed at each other every time. It must have something to do with both of us being twins, both entering the Armed Service and then later becoming a police officer. Jeff will be missed. He was a true friend.
Glenn Macierowski
June 23, 2014
Russ (Doc) Miller
RIP Jeff, May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this timeof great loss.
June 23, 2014
Hube and Teresa Sibblies
Andy, Liz and family, may God bless you and be your comfort in your time of sorrow.
June 23, 2014
Henry Kozak
Jeff RIP you have allways been a friend and we will miss you dearly
Hank & Janet Kozak
St James NC
June 23, 2014
CHARLIE SPETZ
Knew you for a long time what a sad day R.I.P. BROTHER !
June 23, 2014
Jim and Susan Dingman
Words can not express how sad we are for the entire Nafis family-Jeff was always quick to greet you with a big bear hug and we will remember him always with a smile on his face. A wonderful man who will be missed.
June 23, 2014
Linda A. Franz
My Sincerest Condolences to the Nafis Family, So Sorry for your loss of Jeff.
June 23, 2014
LuAnn & Pat Festa
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 23, 2014
Stacy Dale
Thoughts and prayers to the Nafis Family. I am so sorry for your loss.
June 23, 2014
Ray and Joanne Scally
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nafis family. We will miss his warm smile and hugs hello. He was a great man and a friend to all. RIP.
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