Miguel A. Berlingeri

Proud Puerto Rican, American soldier and self-proclaimed “Lorainiac,” 95-year-old Miguel A. Berlingeri passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at his home following a lengthy illness.

Born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, on October 2, 1927, to Domingo and Vigermina (nee Burgos) Berlingeri, he graduated high school in Puerto Rico and attended college in New York.

Miguel spent 22 years in the Army fighting in World War II, N. Italy, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam; he also was stationed stateside and overseas in Paris, earning the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star.  His service included duty as a military police sergeant and guarding the gold at Fort Knox, Ky.  In 2014, Miguel received the Congressional Gold Medal for his combat role with the Borinqueneers in the 65^th Infantry Regiment 1^st Battalion Company C in one of the most famous battles involving the 65^th, where, in 1951 in Korea, they helped to free Marines outnumbered and surrounded by Chinese in the frozen ridge tops at the Chosin Reservoir.  The Borinqueneers were Puerto Rican patriotic fighting soldiers of the last segregated combat unit of the United States military.

Miguel came to Lorain in 1966 after retiring from the Army as a staff sergeant.

Miguel was well known in Lorain and surrounding communities as the Sunday host of Ecos Latinos, a Hispanic music show on AM radio 1380 that spanned over 20 years.

He retired from Ford Motor Company as a supervisor following 27 years of service.

Miguel was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain, the Cursillo Movement, Holy Name Society, Amvets Post 58, and the former Knights of St. John.  He loved music, entertaining, dancing, playing cards, and poker.

Surviving is his wife of 47 years, Carmen (nee Marrero); children, Miguel Jr., Hilda Walker, Angel, Carmen Berlingeri-Garza, Gloria M. Gonzalez, Robert, Lourdes Berlingeri, Walter, and Mitchell; stepsons, Joseph Oliveras, Michael Ferrer, and Phillip Ferrer; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Jorge, Domingo, Felix, and Anibal.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Herminia (nee Rivera); son, Dominic; stepson, Louis Geron; brother, Victor; and sister, Lydia.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services at 4:00 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral and Cremation Specialists, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain.  Rev. William Thaden, pastor of Sacred Heart Chapel will officiate.  The Amvets Post 32 will conduct military honors.