Cristino Bermudez-Rivera Obituary

Mr. Cristino Bermudez-Rivera, age 89, of Blythewood, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 10, 1936, in Comerio, Puerto Rico, to the late Mr. Epifanio Bermudez and Mrs. Luisa Rivera Bermudez. Before his military career, Cristino worked at a Hoover vacuum cleaner plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1959, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served for twenty years. His distinguished service included two tours in Vietnam and at least one in Korea, earning him multiple medals for his dedication and valor. He was honorably discharged in 1979. Following his military service, Cristino earned an associate's degree in criminal justice. Using that degree, he began a new chapter as a correctional officer at Kirkland Correctional Institution, where he worked for two decades before retiring. Afterward, he continued his commitment to service as a security officer at Just Care, Inc. until his final retirement in 2010 at the age of 74. Known affectionately as "Tino" and sometimes "Mr. Tino", Cristino delighted in boating, fishing, hosting cookouts, and spending cherished moments with his family. After retiring, he spent his time working on home projects and even took up gardening. He loved listening to his favorite Spanish music, learning to play the Puerto Rican Cuatro, and had a special passion for sports cars. Cristino was known for his sense of humor and unique way of making people laugh. He always had everyone's best interests at heart. Through quiet acts of generosity and unwavering support, he imparted many of his values to those he loved. He often expressed his gratitude and "thanks the good Lord" for his many blessings. Cristino is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dagmar Betti Popp Bermudez; his children, Miguel Angel Bermudez, Wilfredo (Janet) Bermudez, Antonio Bermudez, Linda (Robert) Brewer, and David (Denise) Bermudez; his grandchildren, Candice D. Hairston, Miguel Angel (Rachel) Bermudez, Jr., Shaina D. Bermudez (Bob Wessinger), Jesse R. (Sarah) Brewer III, Bailey Butler, Mackenzie L. (Charlie) Martin, Shawn Phillips, and Malinda A. Brewer; and his great-grandchildren, Mariah Hairston, Gisele Hairston, Juelle Hairston, Brayden Bermudez, Micah Bermudez, Olivia Bermudez, Robert Wessinger IV, and Jesse R. Brewer IV. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Cristino was preceded in death by his daughter, Christina Bermudez Perry; and his siblings, William Bermudez, Carmen Bermudez Padin, Epifanio Bermudez, Jr., Annie Bermudez, Millie Rivera, and Luis (Papo) Bermudez. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and all individuals who provided care to Cristino throughout the final years of his life. Their dedication and attentive service are deeply valued and will be long remembered. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location in the Greenlawn Memorial Chapel on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with Dan LaFreniere officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Serenity Garden.