Virgilio Vergs Rivera

Virgilio (Vergs) Rivera was born on March 21, 1948 in Baguio City, Philippines to Antonio Rivera and Consuelo Collado Rivera. After a hard-fought battle with colon cancer, he passed away on October 17, 2017.

Vergs graduated from St. Louis Boys High School, Baguio City in 1965 where he was a member of the Columbian Squires and the CHIRO (Youth for Christ) group. In 1969 he graduated from Saint Louis University, Baguio City with a B.S. in Philosophy. He continued to be active with the CHIRO group as a leader, the Columbian Squires, the St. Louis Dance Troop, and St. Louis Basketball team. After his graduation from college, he worked as a radio anchorman at the local radio station, Radio Philippines Network, DZBS before departing for the U.S. in February 1971. He worked with the White Fathers of Africa and the Smithsonian Museum for a few years upon his arrival in the U.S. In 1972 he enlisted with the U.S. Army and retired after 24 years of dedicated and honorable service.

On Dec. 6, 1975 he married Teresita Astorga Rivera and in the 41 years of their marriage, Vergs and Terry had the opportunity to work and travel in Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, and South Korea. When Vergs retired from the Army, he continued to work as a contractor Information Systems Administrator with the Department of Defense Civilian Service, then as a federal employee. Vergs spent several years as a volunteer with the Army Community Service and supported Terry in her different work projects.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years Terry Astorga Rivera of San Antonio; his only child, Major Virgil Rivera, his daughter-in-law Major Kelly Marie Baumgartner Rivera; two grandchildren, Madison Alexandra and Brendan Carter Rivera, and his two grand pets, CJ and Jaeger Rivera. He is also survived by his brothers, Nicanor (Nick) Rivera; Romeo (Romy) Rivera; and sisters Cecille Aguilar; and Aida Angel, and their families.

Vergs is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Virginia Javier; Dr. Christina Astorga; Elizabeth Sepe. Mary Ann Martin Pargas, and Rosario Galvan and their families.

Vergs enjoyed membership of the Kaiserslautern Toastmasters in Germany. He took pride in his membership with the American Legion, Department of France, and he held with special honor his being a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Vergs was a consummate story teller with an infectious sense of humor. He told everyone that he earned several PhDs through the years: Professional House Dad, Professional Handler of Dogs; Professional Horticulture Designer, Professional House Driver, and Professional Digital Handler. He spoke several languages, learned to play the piano, melodica, and guitar, and became the official family chef. He enjoyed dancing with his wife Terry and traveling the world with her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 10:00 A.M. at the St. Mark Evangelist Catholic Church, 1602 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio, TX 78232. Flowers for the memorial service can be sent to the Porter Loring Funeral Home, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232.

Verg's remains will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.