Escolastico B. Griego Jr.

Escolastico B. Griego, Jr., a World War II veteran and longtime resident of New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by family. Junior, as he was known to many, was born September 30, 1924, to Escolastico and Vera (Baca) Griego. He graduated from Belen High School before being drafted into the U.S. Navy. As a Corpsman (Medic), he was attached to the 5th Marine Division and saw action during the battle to secure the island of Iwo Jima. He spent 45 days helping his fellow soldiers on the battlefield. From February 19 to March 26, 1945, Japanese and American soldiers battled each other for airstrips that would be key to end the war in the Pacific. 6,821 Americans and more than 22,000 Japanese lost their lives.

Junior never spoke much about his time on Iwo Jima. After Iwo Jima, he was sent to Japan for Occupational Clean-up Duty before returning to Hawaii, then San Diego, where he finished his tour of duty, finally returning to New Mexico.

After he was honored as a hero on the 10th Honor Flight of Southern Colorado in 2017, he would share glimpses of his time there. "There were bullets flying day and night around me. I heard boys lying in the field yelling, 'Hey Doc, Hey Doc, help me!' Those days were like hell! It was very difficult just trying to get the boys fixed up either to return back to duty, to the ship hospital, or to the morgue."

After the war, Junior returned home to his wife Nica and daughter Deola. He became a U.S. Postal worker, where he was loved by many on his routes. He retired in 1980 after 35 years of service.

He married the love of his life, Sylvia, in 1978; they had 43 wonderful years together until her death in 2021. They traveled extensively throughout the country, including Hawaii and Alaska. He was a friend to all who knew him. Junior was a wonderful husband, father, son, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Deola (Dennis, deceased), his parents Escolastico, Sr., and Vera; his sisters Annie, Helen, Rose, and brother-in-law Robert.

He is survived by his three brothers Bert (Petra, deceased), Phil (JoAnn, deceased), Larry (Linda), and brother-in-law Dennis Storey.

Also step-daughters Renee (Rob), and Liz (Eric), and step-sons Philip (Yolanda), and James; his loving grandchildren Jon (Thomas), Corine, Chris (Cindy), and Cindy (Eric); step grandchildren Lisa (John Eric), Andrew, Cameron, Bryce, Haley (Troy), Tyler (Haley), Ethan(Julianna), and Alexis; great grandchildren Daniele(Tucker), Jonathan, Kristina, Shay, Curtis, Cody, Lydia, Judah, and Owen; great-great grandchildren Liliana, Lilith, and Logan.

Viewing and Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 9. Mass will be at 11:00 a.m., with Father Brad Noonan as celebrant. Burial will be at Pikes Peak National Cemetary (10545 Drennan Road, 17 mile-drive, 30 minutes) immediately following the service. A reception will be held back at St. Gabriel's after the burial.

Pall bearers: Cameron, Bryce, Ethan, Cody, Franz and Julio. Honorary pallbearers: Chris, Jon, and Eric. The family would especially like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Cole during the last 3 years. Also, the caregivers who were a vital part in their love and care of him: Mariela, Clotilde ("The Million Dollar Gal", recently deceased) Kathy, Megan, Julio, and Pam. Special thanks to Mark Schaefer, who befriended him during the 2017 Southern Colorado Honor Flight and visited him regularly, taking him to many Veterans events and dinners in the Colorado Springs community.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to: https://www.honorflightsoco.net/donate