Nafis, 55

Jeffrey Richard Nafis, 55, passed away suddenly at his home on June 22.

Nafis was born on April 1, 1959 in Huntington, New York to the late Charlotte and Donald Nafis.

He 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.

Nafis quickly climbed the ranks within the police department and held many positions including that of first lieutenant. During his career at the police department, Nafis 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, Nafis retired and shifted his efforts into expanding upon his longtime locksmithing skills and opening his own business - Nafis Lock, Safe, and Security.

He was a certified master locksmith, member of the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths, and a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.

Nafis enjoyed his locksmithing and spent most of his time refurbishing safes, assisting people with their locksmithing needs, and attending and teaching locksmith seminars. Nafis was a natural teacher and enjoyed sharing all aspects of his knowledge to help those around him grow. He was a longtime member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Newton.

Nafis 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 brother George, his wife Joan, their two children Hope and Donnie; his cousin Tara; and his uncle George Martin.

Nafis 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 from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 37 Newton Sparta Rd., Newton, NJ 07860.