Emilio Castro-Rivera

Emilio Castro-Rivera Jr. (Millito) was born on November 19, 1928 in Caguas, Puerto Rico to Don Emilio Castro and Emerita Rivera and was baptized at La Santa Iglesias Cathedral Catholic Church. Millito married his longtime high school sweet heart Virgenmina Alvarado in the town of Santa Isabel, P.R, a match made in heaven celebrating over 60 years of marriage that included 30 plus years of Honorable military service and were blessed with seven children. Millito graduated from Santa Isabel High School and attended Santa Isabel College earning his Bachelor Degree in Business and Accounting.

Millito played semipro baseball between 1950 – 1951 seasons for the AA team known as the Santa Isabel Postros, P. R., winning the Championships playoff. Millito was a short stop prospect for the New York Yankees that same season.

Millito was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War Conflict and served honorably  was promoted to the rank of Command Sargent Major during this intense combat action receiving the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Korean War service Medal and the Navy Service Medal.

Millito’s military assignments included U.S. Army Fort Buchanan, P.R., U.S. Army Fort Dix, New Jersey, Ramey AFB, P.R., Kadena AFB, Okinawa Japan, Larson AFB, Washington, Davis Mountain AFB, Arizona, Albrook AFB International American Air Force Academy (IAAFA), Panama, and retired at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas in 1974.

Dad’s favorite music was salsa, participating in dance competitions with mom throughout their many years together enjoying the rhythm of music, life, religion and family.  They enjoyed spending time with family, great friends, fishing during their annual time share on Mustang Island, Port Aransas, TX, fishing and cooking rich traditional Puerto Rican food. Dad was a faithful follower of Catholic faith, while embracing other faiths as well. He continually supported charities, and was a member of the Knight of Columbus.

Millito “Papi” named by his sons and daughters will always be remembered and embraced for his generosity; willingness to help others with his unique talents nicknamed “Mr. Macgyver”, by his neighbors and friends.

Millito was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio & Emerita Castro-Rivera, sisters Esther Arroyo-Castro & Georgina Castro-Rivera, Grandfather Satutrino Nichols Castro-Marrero, Grandmother Benigad Rivera-Aquilino Oyola. He is survived by two brothers Jenaro and Manual Castro-Rivera of Bayamon Puerto Rico, and seven children, Edgar E., Jorge L., Virgen Milagros Santos, Robert L., Vilma E., Edward E., and Maria L. Castro Alvarado, and the legacy of 17 Grandchildren and 31 Great-grandchildren.