Deacon Ismael P. Tavarez, 87, of Mullica Township passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at home on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Born in Isabela, Puerto Rico, he has lived in the Hammonton and Mullica Township area for sixty-eight years. Before retiring, he worked as a Sous Chef at Caesars Atlantic City. Deacon Ismael was ordained as a Deacon on October 4, 1980 by Bishop George Henry Guilfoyle of the Camden Diocese. Deacon Ismael had served the Diocese of Camden, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, and St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish from October 4, 1980 until he retired from the active ministry on March 31, 2014. He was an active member of the Cursillo Movement, the Legion of Mary, and the Spanish Apostolic Ministry.

Ismael was a devoted husband and father who lived his life in service of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a Deacon to the community of Hammonton, he touched lives serving as a beacon of faith and a shining example to all. Ismael (known to his family as Pop or Pop Pop), loved to cook, work with his hands on unique projects and crafts, and spending time with his family. Ismael will be missed by all but leaves behind a legacy of love that will be carried on for many generations to come. May he rest in peace.

Deacon Ismael was predeceased by his parents Gregorio and Cornelia Tavarez, and his siblings Norciso Tavarez, Monserate Tavarez, and Gloria Tavarez. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Genoveva Tavarez (née Roldan); seven children Sonia Witherspoon (Stanley), Aide Batten, Ismael Tavarez Jr., Hector Tavarez, Maria Brotherton (Vince), Deacon Gregory Tavarez (Cynthia), Cindy Tavarez (Michael Simpson); his daughters in law Suzanne Tavarez and Denise Tavarez; his brothers Silverio Tavarez (Maria), Gregorio Tavarez Jr., Jaime Tavarez (Awilda); two sisters Lydia Tavarez (Manuel), Silveria Tavarez; fifteen grandchildren Tony (Jasmin), Jonathan, Jenna, Sarah (Jamie), Samantha, Alyssa (James), Jordan (Kacy), Kyle, Joseph (Ashley), Jessica (Evan), Jacob, Gregory Matthew, Noah, Isabela, and Aaron; and four great grandchildren Javen, Makenna, Scarlett, and Lainey.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at St. Mary of Mt Carmel Parish Church of St. Joseph's, 226 French Street in Hammonton, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 124 S. First Road in Hammonton. In lieu of flowers family requests donations to: St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, 226 French Street, Hammonton, NJ 08037.