Milton Aponte, Esq., passed away on Easter Sunday, April 1st 2018 at the age of 73 surrounded by family and friends in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Milton was the loving husband of Berthy. He leaves a living legacy of three children, Milton II, Diana, Luz, and seven grandchildren, Ruben, Milton Juan, Noah, Ian, Miguel, Giovanna, and Camila. Milton was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and was the fifth of seven children of Dionisio Aponte and Maria Perez. Milton was known by many as a good Christian of great moral character, an honorable and loving family man, and an outstanding attorney who sought justice for all. He was a gentle, loving, and caring man who treated everyone with dignity and respect, and he made lasting, positive impacts on countless lives.
After completing high school in Aguadilla, Milton attended the University of Puerto Rico and Syracuse University, where he studied Geography. At Syracuse in 1968, he met his wife Berthy, and on March 23, 2018, they celebrated 50 years of life together. Ever since they first met, Milton and Berthy were inseparable soulmates. They shared a love of travel and were proud to have visited over 50 countries together. In 1969 after marrying Berthy, they returned to Puerto Rico, where Milton taught geography at the University of Puerto Rico and they started their family. Following his teaching career, Milton had a distinguished career in law that spanned over four decades. After graduating from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law in 1977, he established a private practice across from Puerto Rico’s main courthouse. While overseeing his private practice, he served as an attorney for the President of the University of Puerto Rico.
In 1980, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as Chief Counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and a decade later, he moved to Florida to work as an Assistant District Counsel for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (Formerly INS). In 2003, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney of the U.S. Department of Justice. Immediately after retiring from the U.S. Government, Milton once again opened a private practice, establishing Aponte Immigration Law, which focused on helping many clients deal with immigration issues.
Milton was a consummate advocate for civil rights, especially in protecting and empowering individuals with disabilities; he was inspired by his youngest daughter, Luz (Lucy), who struggles with significant developmental disabilities. He served on numerous boards with directors of non-profit organizations, including the United Way Services of Cleveland, Ohio, American Red Cross (Cleveland Chapter), and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. He was the founder and the first president of the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association in 1992 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Milton also served in various capacities (i.e., member, chair, treasurer) on many national and state advisory boards and committees, such as the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, the U.S. Commission for the Administration on Developmental Disabilities Multicultural Advisory Committee, and the Florida State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Among his most distinguished advocacy accomplishments were his two consecutive term appointments by President George W. Bush to the National Council on Disability (NCD). NCD advises and makes recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their families.
Our family is especially grateful to his oncologist, Dr. Marco Ruiz, and the staff at Memorial Hospital West at Pembroke Pines for their support and loving care during his difficult struggle with his illness. The family is also grateful to the oncologists at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who so tirelessly and willingly collaborated with Dr. Ruiz in searching for a cure for Milton.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 8, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive Pembroke Pines, FL, 33024. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, April 9, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church at 8330 Johnson Street, Pembroke Pines, FL, 33024. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3001 North 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33024.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Boniface Catholic Church, 8330 Johnson Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024.
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Katelyn Martin (Boca Raton)
April 4, 2018, 12:00 am
He was a good man and will be missed by many !!! I know he will live on in the hearts of many forever RIP Milton
Lourdes Muniz (Oviedo, Fl)
April 4, 2018, 12:00 am
My Uncle was very special to me and to many. I look forward to seeing him again in heaven by the grace of God in Christ Jesus!
Roger Deshaies (Tucson Arizona)
April 4, 2018, 12:00 am
Deepest condolences; a truly remarkable and honorable gentleman. He will be missed.
Conni Wells (Johnson City, TN)
April 4, 2018, 12:00 am
I never knew any of Milton’s professional accomplishments, and there were many. What I did know is that he was a kind man who served as a tireless advocate for those with disabilities. He was wise, patient, and steadfast in his love for his family and his belief in equality. Rest in Peace sweet Milton. Thank you for your service.
Stephanie Smith Lee (Charlotte, North Carolina)
April 4, 2018, 12:00 am
Milton was a wonderful man – kind, considerate, and dedicated to his family, work and making the world a better place for individuals with disabilities. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Gen and I extend our deepest sympathies. Stephanie
George & Lillian Metz (Palm Harbor, Florida)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
Dear Berthey. We are very sorry of the passing of your wonderful husband, Milton. you two made a wonderful couple. Often thought of your visit to our home, Concord, Ohio, when we lived there. And what a blessing to meet your beautiful daughter, as well. God Bless. Love ya
Jacob L Ratzan (MIAMI)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
Milton was a good man who I encountered on several occasions through the practice of immigration law. He never stopped learning and seeking ways to help people navigate the immigration legal system. My sincere condolences to Milton’s family.
Judge Denise Lane (South Florida)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
My sincerest condolences. May Milton rest in peace.
Giovanni Coutard
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
Milton, was an extraordinary man. There are many in the community who will mourn deeply his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. May he rest in peace.
Odisa Carvajal (Miami, Florida)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
My most sincere condolence to the family on your loss. May God grant you all strength during this difficult time. Milton was my coworker at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and I considered him my friend as well. He was a kind and respectful gentleman. May he rest in peace. I will always remember him fondly.
Cami and Scott Hartley-Finley (Apex, NC)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
We were so sorry to hear of Milton’s passing and glad we got to meet him on our trip to China. He loved life and travel and his causes. Our best wishes to all his family.
Judge Rico Sogocio (Miami, FL)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
My sincerest sympathies to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Milton as a fellow trial attorney with INS in Miami, and then later in his capacity as an AUSA with the USAO SDFL. Milton was the consummate gentleman, and we happily swapped stories of our experiences living in Ohio. Perhaps more importantly, I recall Milton being extremely proud of his entire family, and sharing all the art accomplishments of his youngest, Lucy. I’m saddened at his loss, but I’m sure that I am only one of many who appreciate having had the opportunity to know him. Rest in Peace, Milton.
IRMA OLMEDO (Chicago)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
Les envio condolencias a ti y a tus hijos. I remember celebrating New Year’s Eve when you lived in Beechwood. What a joy it was to celebrate with you and with Milton! He really enjoyed his friends and made us all enjoy the festivities. He will be missed. I’m also mourning the loss of my husband on March 10, also from cancer, and I can relate to your pain. I hope we can get together after these days are over. Irma
Magaly Banks (Ecuador)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
Milton II y familia Aponte, en mi nombre y el de mi familia, expresamos nuestras condolencias, deseamos de todo corazon que Dios los ayude a soportar tan gran ausencia, estamos muy conmovidos, nos unimos en su dolor
Rogelio A. del Pino (Miami)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
Met Milton nearly 30 years ago while a Trial Attorney for then INS and though opponents in many cases, became quite friendly until he left for the US Attorney’s Office and we lost contact with one another…however, when he retired from ICE, he called me a number of times to meet but we never did. He was a unique and thoughtful person whom I will always remember. May he RIP.
Robert DePathy (Cooper City)
April 5, 2018, 12:00 am
Very sorry to learn of Milton’s passing. My wife, Hina Askari, knew him well professionally and had the utmost respect for him. He will be missed. My prayers and condolences
For Milton Aponte from Arlene Lakin
April 7, 2018, 12:00 am
I send Berthy and family my condolences on the loss of Milton. He was a terrific attorney, a great father, husband, and advocate. Words are always inadequate at a time like this. Berthy, 50 years! Cliff & I had 43 years! We were both so lucky to have been married to such wonderful men. Con carino, Arlene Lakin
Nan Rich (Weston, FL)
April 7, 2018, 12:00 am
Dear Berthy, My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Milton. The two of you made an incredible team as you advocated for persons with disabilities. I know there is a special place in heaven for him! May the memories of the wonderful times you shared be a source of comfort to you during this difficult time for you and your family.
Maria Cammarata (Fort Lauderdale)
April 7, 2018, 12:00 am
Dear Family, my deepest condolences. What a wonderful legacy he left. The disability community has lost a true hero.
Eugene and Lila Klausman (and Mark, too) (Melbourne Beach, FL)
April 7, 2018, 12:00 am
Only the distance which separated us, prevented us from knowing you much better and that alone is sorrowful.
Elaine Miceli Vasquez (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
April 8, 2018, 12:00 am
A wonderful man…gave so much to his family and his community. God will bless him for his life on earth as he enters the Kingdom of eternity in his love. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Judge Javier E. Balasquide (Miami, FL)
April 8, 2018, 12:00 am
I had the opportunity and honor to work with Milton Aponte for seven years as an Assistant District Counsel for INS in the 1990s. He also appeared before me in his capacity as a private counsel . Milton was a great spiritual honest family man and fully dedicated to his daughter cause. My most sincere condolence to his family on your lost. Mucha fe y fortaleza !
Sandro O. Monteblanco, Esq. (New York)
April 10, 2018, 12:00 am
A great man indeed, a great mentor whom I will miss. Rest in peace my friend.
Susan Goodman
August 8, 2020, 12:40 pm
Milton was such a kind man. We loved being with him and Berthy. He was as truly devoted to his family as anyone I’ve ever seen. I loved them both and miss seeing Milton. Love to you Berthy.
Berthy De La Rosa-Aponte
August 8, 2020, 12:43 pm
Milton, siempre te recordamos y te extrañamos enormemente. Hoy día 8/8/2020 es tu cumpleaños y nos haces mucha falta. Ya hoy descansas tranquilo y en paz junto a nuestros otros seres queridos. Milton, you are always in our minds and our hearts. We miss you greatly. Today 8/8/2020 is your birthday and we miss you very much. You are now resting in Peace before the Lord with other loved ones. 🙏🏼😢🙏🏼😭💔
Berthy De La Rosa-Aponte
April 4, 2021, 11:03 pm
3 years ago on Easter Sunday you pass and are now Resting In Peace. You were there to receive our wonderful daughter Lucy who passed 4 months ago. I miss both of you so much, but I believe you are in a better place & will someday will meet again. I love you both forever.
Hace 3 años en Domingo de Resurrección te fuiste al cielo y pudiste recibir a nuestra hija que se fue hace 4 meses. Se que están en mejor sitio y que un día estaréis juntos. Los amo por siempre.
Berthy
August 8, 2021, 11:10 am
Dear husband, Milton, one more year that you celebrate your birthday in heaven. This year with our daughter Lucy. Someday we will all be together. Mi amado esposo, otro año más que celebras tu cumpleaños en el cielo. Esta año acompañado de nuestra hija Lucy. Algún día estaremos todos juntos.