Colonel Richard Brito (Retired)

Richard was born in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 15, 1944. The third of twelve children, Richard grew up in Brownsville, Texas. He attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Brownsville High School in 1962. He attended The University of Houston, where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He then earned a Master of Arts degree in Business Administration from Webster University.

In 1963, Richard met his wife, Joanne, on a blind date, set up by Joanne’s cousin, who happened to be Richard’s tennis doubles partner. They were married in Brownsville on August 7, 1965.

From the age of 12, Richard knew he wanted to make a career in the military. He enlisted in the army in 1966 and completed boot camp in Fort Ord, CA. In September of 1967, he successfully completed Officer Training School in Fort Sill, OK, commissioned as a second lieutenant. He then successfully completed Airborne School in Fort Benning, GA. He was then stationed in Fort Bragg, NC, where he trained in PSYOPS. In 1969, he was stationed in Fort Gulick, Canal Zone (Panama), and joined the 8th Special Forces Group and became an Airborne Jumpmaster. With the rank of Captain, he served in Vietnam from December 1969 - June 1970.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Richard joined the Texas Army National Guard in Houston and served as the Operations and Training Specialist with the 36th Airborne Brigade until 1980. As a Major, he assumed command of the Texas National Guard’s 141st Infantry 1st Mechanized Battalion in San Antonio. In 1985, he was assigned to the Texas National Guard’s headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin. While at Camp Mabry, he served as the Commandant of the Officer Training Academy and then served as the Plans and Operations Director until his retirement in 1994 with the rank of full colonel.

During his military career, Richard earned a Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Richard was an avid reader and an expert on World War II history. Since 2000, Richard served as a military “fact-checker” for the US Latino & Latina World War II Oral History Project for the Department of Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin.

Richard was a steadfast friend and mentor to many, and a pillar of strength within his family. Known for his quick wit, deep sense of humor, his treasure trove of hilarious stories from his past, he both entertained and touched the lives of many. He loved sports, especially golf and tennis and played both for many years. He never missed watching the Masters Tournament and Wimbledon.

Richard is survived by Joanne, his beloved wife of 59 years, daughters Joanne Boyce and her husband, Eric Boyce of Cedar Park, Texas and Kathie Lake and her husband, Col. Michael Lake of Destin, Florida. His greatest pride and joy were his three grandchildren, Natalie Boyce, Jack Boyce, and Richard Lake. Known as “Papa,” his grandchildren adored him and have many wonderful memories spent with him. He has many family members, former colleagues and wonderful friends who meant the world to him, especially the Horn family of Houston, who have been a huge part of the Brito’s lives for over 50 years.

A graveside service will be held on August 23, 2024 at 11 AM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. A celebration of life will take place on August 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM at SpringHill Suites Marriott, 1110 Discovery Boulevard, Cedar Park, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew him and his legacy of service, devotion and dedication will continue to live on through his family and friends.