Csm Edwin Aponte-Santiago (Retired)

CSM Edwin Aponte Santiago (Ret.), 67, better known to his family and friends as ‟Eddie” Passed away Monday, October 24, 2022 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Eddie was born in East Chicago, Indiana on March 24 1955 to Juan and Rosa Aponte.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth with whom he had been married 47 years. He is also survived by his three beautiful daughters Lisamarie Aponte, Kellie Marie Aponte and Jasmin Marie Aponte. He had 3 wonderful grand children who lovingly called him Papa. Gabriel Aponte (the GMan), Alexie Aponte (Chaka Khan) Laura Thigpen (Mini Me). He is also survived by his mother Rosa Aponte and 2 brothers Juan Aponte and Norberto Aponte. 3 sisters Iris, Miriam and Melisa. He had nieces and nephews that he also truly adored.

He retired from the military which was his pride and joy. He made a goal to be a Command Sgt Major and achieved that goal. After retirement he has enjoyed his time in his Man cave ‟The Bud Shrine” and all his collection in the garage. He loved music and enjoyed trying to dance with his girls and granddaughters. He enjoyed building things made of wood especially decks. He was also ready to make people laugh, playing dominos and watching T.V., So in the saying he loved to use he has ‟moved out and drawn fire”.

CSM Aponte Santiago served with the utmost distinction and was awarded the following awards during his Military career to include The Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (second award), NATO Medal, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Master Parachutist Badge, Royal Australian Army Parachutist Badge, Basic Columbian Parachutist Badge and the French Army Parachutist Badge

Visitation will be 6:00 -8:00 PM Friday, October 28, 2022 at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. A Celebration of life service will begin at 7:00 PM with his daughter, Kellie Aponte officiating.

Graveside Services will be 12:00 Noon, Monday, October 31, 2022 at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd, Fort Bragg, NC 28310 with Chaplain (CPT) Shawn Droge officiating.