BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) -- Former Paraguayan dictator Alfredo Stroessner was buried on Thursday in Brazil, hailed by mourners as a patriot but denied official honors from the country he ruled ruthlessly for 35 years.

Stroessner died at the age of 93 on Wednesday in Brasilia, where he had lived in exile since he was overthrown in a military coup in 1989.

Stroessner's rule was marked by repression, torture and rampant corruption. His name became a byword for the ugliness of the military dictatorships that flourished in many Latin American countries during the Cold War era.

He was remembered differently by the 40-odd relatives, friends and former colleagues who gathered under the hot sun at the Campo de Esperanza cemetery in Brasilia for the funeral.

"God knows how to reward you for all you did for the country. We carry your name with pride," said his grandson and namesake Alfredo Stroessner at the graveside.

The younger Stroessner said the general was an example of patriotism and love of country. His tomb in Brazil would be temporary until his body could be transferred to the Paraguayan capital Asuncion, he said.

"Viva General Stroessner!," shouted Dario Filartiga, a former official in his regime. "Viva!," mourners replied as the coffin, draped in the flags of Paraguay and his Colorado Party, was lowered into the ground.

The Paraguayan government has not declared a mourning period nor flags to be flown at half-staff in a country where many streets, towns, and buildings once bore his name.

In Asuncion, Colorado Party lawmakers held a minute of silence for him in Congress, angering other legislators who walked out during the tribute.

"I can't believe this body is paying homage to a despot," said Sen. Alfredo Jaegglie from the Liberal Party.

However, some ordinary Paraguayans expressed support for Stroessner and said they were saddened by his death.

In Asuncion's "November 3rd" neighborhood, named in honor of his birthday, some fondly recalled his rule. They said his public works programs helped modernize one of South America's poorest countries and ensured people had jobs.

"When the general was in control, at least there was food and everyone worked. Now there is no work and we're worse off," said Gerardo Ortiz, a 44-year-old shopowner.

Stroessner, the son of a German immigrant and a Paraguayan peasant, seized power in 1954. Human rights group say at least 900 people disappeared and thousands were tortured as he snuffed out dissent. He enjoyed support from the United States for many years until that position became untenable.

General Andres Rodriguez, a former political ally, toppled him in a coup in 1989. Stroessner fled to Brazil, where he spent the rest of his days living in a luxury residential area of Brasilia.

He never returned to Paraguay, where he faced charges of homicide and torture which will now never be answered.