In Honor of Tomas Labrador-Rivera

September 19, 1923 – June 20, 2025

Tomas Labrador-Rivera, aged 101, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed into eternal rest on Friday, June 20, 2025. Born in the green hills of Cidra, Puerto Rico, on September 19, 1923, he was the son of Pablo Labrador and Amparo Rivera of Camerio — the second of seven children, a brother forged in faith, mischief, and resilience.

His was a life etched in valor, humility, and boundless love. Along the riverbanks of his boyhood home, where laughter echoed beneath the ceiba trees, Tomas first dreamed, and there — by those same waters — he met his life's great love: Esperanza Martinez. They wed on February 20, 1954, in Camp Tortuguero, and together shared 61 years of devotion, joy, and quiet strength until her passing in 2015.

A warrior for his country and a son of Puerto Rico, Tomas answered the call to serve with unwavering resolve. As a proud Borinqueneer of the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, he stood among giants. He served seven tours of duty—beneath the command of General Douglas MacArthur in World War II and Korea, and later under General Westmoreland in Vietnam. In the fire of battle, he was wounded, yet rose again, a Purple Heart upon his chest and courage ever in his soul.

Decorated many times over, Tomas climbed the ranks to Sergeant FC7-E7, stationed at Fort Jackson, where he continued his service until his retirement from active duty in 1971. In quiet duty and continued purpose, he then served as a correctional officer for the South Carolina Department of Corrections until 1985.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Esperanza, his son Humberto, his grandson Kelly Joe, and his siblings Ana Suarez, Emilia Labrador, Maria Santiago, Georgina Quinones, and Angel Labrador.  He was survived by his sister Generosa Labrador. Yet his legacy carries on, mighty as a river. He is survived by his children—Tomas Jr. (Carla), Richard, Katherine (Guy Varn), Jay (Tonya), and Maria (Bruce Harper); 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren—each a branch of the tree he nurtured.

Tomas Labrador-Rivera was a man of humble strength, a beacon of honor, and a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and duty. A hero not just in uniform, but in the quiet moments — teaching, guiding, loving. His story will live on in those he leaves behind, in every footstep walked on a path of integrity, in every heart he steadied with his calm.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Home Greenlawn, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC. He will be laid to rest in private, beside his beloved Esperanza and cherished son Humberto, in sacred peace.