| Graduation Year | Class of 1977 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 22, 2014 |
| About | SPARTA - Jeffrey Richard Nafis, 55, passed away suddenly at his home Sunday, June 22, 2014. Jeffrey was born April 1, 1959, in Huntington, N.Y., to the late Charlotte and Donald Nafis. Jeffrey spent most of his life in Sparta 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 longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Newton. 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. Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Moe; children, Shawn, Jamie and her husband, Rob, Kayla, Alan and Lauren; his older brother Andy and his wife, Elizabeth; his twin George, his wife, Joan, and their two children, Hope and Donnie; his cousin, Tara; and his uncle, George Martin. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 37 Newton Sparta Road, Newton. Published in The New Jersey Herald on June 24, 2014 |
