Obituary of Teofilo Rivas Santiago

Teofilo Rivas Santiago, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, passed away on April 8, 2022, at home surrounded by family.  A native of Puerto Rico, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as an enlisted soldier in the Infantry and as a Food Service Specialist.  During wartime, Teofilo served on multiple tours and despite the odds, lived to tell the tales for many men who could not.

“Teo,” as he was lovingly known, received many commendations for his service and valor such as the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and the Combat Infantrymen Badge to name a few.  Following the war, he brought his beautiful wife Juana from Puerto Rico to settle in Columbia, South Carolina where they raised a large family and were happy.  Teo became the Operational Training NCO Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson for several years until his retirement as a Master Sergeant in 1981.  He also volunteered at the local VA Hospital and was a member of the VFW Post 641 where he served as their Quarter Master as well as the State commander from 1993 to 1994.

He is survived by a sister, Leonides; twelve children, Lourdes Rivas, Evelyn Arce, Orlando Rivas, Myrna Rivas, Mildred Rivas, Madeline Rivas, Frankie Rivas, Catherine Rivas, Robert Rivas, Jennie Rivas, Teo Rivas, Nydia Caraman, Manuel Otero; and over thirty grand and great-grandchildren.  Teo will be sorely missed, but never forgotten!

A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14th at the Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park located at 845 Leesburg Rd. Columbia, SC. 

A graveside service will take place with full military honors on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229. 

Please join us in paying respects to a great man and legend in his own right.