Edward Bringas, 80 yrs, MSG- US Army 1946-1971 "Special Forces Green Beret"- Retired, of Panama City, Republic of Panama died Tuesday, November 3, 2009. He was born July 6, 1929.
Funeral services are Friday, 1:30 PM, November 13, 2009 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL 33744 with Father Tom Dieter and the US Army Honors Team from Ft. Stewart, GA to officiate. Interment will be at Corozal Cemetery, Panama.
Born in New London, CT, he became a local resident for only a few weeks for medical treatment at the Bay Pines VA Health Care System. MSG Bringas graduated from "Old" Cristobal High School, Panama Canal Zone, he was a Catholic and a Veteran of World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a member of the 5th, 7th, and 8th Special Forces Groups. He did two tours in Vietnam, being based out of Nah Trang and many other missions throughout Latin America. He was Instructor at The School of Americas – Ft. Gulick, NCOIC Instructor Jungle Operations Training Center – Ft. Sherman, Panama Canal Zone. He was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms; Army Commendation Medal; Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal with 2 overseas bars; National Defense Service Medal with 2 awards; Good Conduct Medal with 4 awards; World War II Victory Medal; Vietnam Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Parachute Badge; and Senior Parachute Badge. He completed Combat Engineer and Construction NCO Course; Jungle Operation School; Basic Airborne Course; Military Justice School; Escape and Evasion Course; Special Forces Training School; Jumpmasters Course. He retired from the U.S. Army at Ft. Clayton, Canal Zone, Panama after which he worked as a Machinist for the Panama Canal Company, Marine Bureau – Locks Division from 1974 – 1987.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Severiano Bringas and Rosa Amelia Munoz, and his wife, Elvia Padilla. He is survived by his loving family – his six children and 15 grandchildren: son-Edward (Theresa) Bringas, Jr.-grandchildren: Christa, Gabriel, Dominique, Teresa Bernadette, Michael, Isabella, Flavia of El Paso, TX; daughter-Carmen Bringas of Winter Park, FL; daughter-Carmelia (James) Bennett-Johnson – grandchildren: David and Adam Bennett of Winter Springs, FL: son-Edmund (Regina) Bringas – grandchildren: Sarah and Galen of St. Petersburg, FL; daughter-Kerya – grandchildren: Deydra and Sidik of Brooklyn, NY; son-Brando Bringas – grandchildren: Yazming, and Armand of Brooklyn, NY; brother: Rafael (Dorinda) Bringas of Panama; sisters: Caroline Hilzinger of Salinas, CA, Velvia Feller of Austin, TX and Jenny Bringas Godremount of Miami, FL.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
I will miss talking and joking with my Uncle Eddie. I have always been extremely PROUD of my Uncle,and have admired and looked up to him my entire life. I am honored to be related to Edward Bringas, and our entire family will feel his loss. The prayers of my family will be with his children and grandchildren always.
My sincere condolences to my uncles, aunts, and cousins from my husband- Juan, son – Alexis and myself. We will miss Uncle Eddie. He will live on forever with love in our hearts.
Tio Eddy, we will always remember you with love
My prayers are with the Bringas family as you suffer the loss of your loved one. Velvia Feller is a very dear friend of mine that I feel blessed to have and through her I have heard much about her beloved brother. I am so happy that the family has made arrangements for her so she will be able to make the closure for him.
My prayers are with each one of you and praying that all can take this time to truly be thankful to have been such a part of this great hero’s life and let God place his hand in each of your hearts as nothing else can.
God bless each and every one of you as well as those that could not make this trip.
My love goes out to the family,
Molly Couch
Austin, Texas
The Lutz Patriots, of Lutz, Florida send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Edward Bringas. His service to our Country will be forever appreciated.
My grandfather was the most kind hearted man i new.I miss him deeply!My family tells me i have so much of him in me.I’m So proud to be his grandson.I may not have known him as well as others but in the short times i saw him those were the best times.Your finally home grampa it all has paid off and i miss you deeply.
I never had the opportunity to meet MSG Edward Bringas, but I would frequently hear about him from Carmelia. Perhaps I will get to meet him later. – Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
– De Oppresso Liber!
Eddy,I miss you, brother, but beautiful memories remain with me. You were a special man, one who loved your country, family and friends. You were a leader among leaders and wore your uniform so proudly. I thank God for you, for placing us in the same family. You led a fulfilling life, exciting, interesting and an honorable one. Your life was a journey and you savored it all the way. I salute you my beloved brother. May God forever hold you in His loving arms.
Eddy, my dear brother, I miss you, but beautiful memories remain with me. I love you, brother. You were a special man who loved your country, family and friends. You proudly wore your uniform and looked so gallant in it. I feel special to have been loved by you and I thank God for you, for placing us in the same family. Your life was a journey which you savored all the way. I salute you, my dear brother. May God forever hold you in His loving arms.
I’m so sorry you had to go with so much left unsaid, and I am sorry for all that you suffered in life and in your final days. I am praying for you, grandpa. There is so much for all of us to learn from your life and from your death. If it is possible, I hope you can in some way touch your family, especially my father and brothers, who are so much like you. Know that some of your talents live on in us, and that is a beautiful thing. I love you.
I’m so sorry you had to go with so much left unsaid, and I am sorry for all that you suffered in life and in your final days. I am praying for you, grandpa. There is so much for all of us to learn from your life and from your death. If it is possible, I hope you can in some way touch your family, especially my father and brothers, who are so much like you. Know that some of your talents live on in us, and that is a beautiful thing. I love you.
To my dearly beloved, departed brother,Eddie: Ever since we were small, we were very close. I think of how you made me laugh, how you made me cry, but most of all, how you made me smile. My heart ached whenever you were in pain or when you were hurt but I was always there for you as you were always there for me. Now that you are gone, all I can do is smile through my tears. I am so proud of my kid brother’s accomplishments. You and Elvia raised wonderful, intelligent children. I am so grateful they went to Panama to bring their Dad closer to them before you passed away. My prayers are with all my nieces and nephews. I will truly miss you, Honey. Love, Your Sister, Carolina Bringas Hilzinger
To my dearly beloved, departed brother,Eddie: Ever since we were small, we were very close. I think of how you made me laugh, how you made me cry, but most of all, how you made me smile. My heart ached whenever you were in pain or when you were hurt but I was always there for you as you were always there for me. Now that you are gone, all I can do is smile through my tears. I am so proud of my kid brother’s accomplishments. You and Elvia raised wonderful, intelligent children. I am so grateful they went to Panama to bring their Dad closer to them before you passed away. My prayers are with all my nieces and nephews. I will truly miss you, Honey. Love, Your Sister, Carolina Bringas Hilzinger
Dear Uncle Eddie: During this past week, Mom and I have shared many tears but also many happy memories. Thank you and Aunt Elvia for always being gracious hosts whenever we visited you in Panama and Florida. Our visits were always filled with laughter, music, dancing, love, and delicious food. Mom and I are very proud of your many accomplishments in life and in the military. We miss you very much. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to my cousins and other family members. Con Mucho Amor! Your niece Marcela “Marcy” Hilzinger Broe