Filiberto Rivera Santiago of Sanford passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2016. He was 91.
Filiberto was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. He served proudly in the U.S Army for 21 years, retiring as platoon sergeant (E-7) in 1968. He was a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, Borinqueneers, which was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The 65th was the highest decorated outfit of the Korean War. After his military service, he served the State of New Jersey as a correction officer.

Filiberto was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Maria Garcia Ramos of 53 years, his parents, five brothers and one sister.

He is survived by six children; Amilcar Rivera and wife Iris, Filiberto Rivera of Florida, Arnaldo Rivera of Florida, Marilia Rivera and husband Earl Moir of New Jersey, Nancy Perez and husband Manuel Perez of New Jersey, and Mabel Rivera of New York; his 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; his sister Gloria Castillo and husband Jorge, his sister Modesta Zayas, his brother Sandalio Rivera, his loving goddaughter Nilda Martinez and husband Anibal, and all loving and caring family members.

A Mass for Filiberto will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, August 27, at All Souls Catholic Church, 800 S. Oak Avenue, Sanford, Florida with burial to follow in Oaklawn Park Cemetery, 5000 Country Road 46a, Sanford. Viewing hours will be from 6- 9pm Friday, August 26, at DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL.