Jose Rafael Santiago (Col. U.S. Army ret.)-320
“A light from our family is gone, a voice we loved so much is stilled, and God who has loved him best has taken him home.” The Santiago family mourns the loss of Jose Santiago, who at
80 years old, passed away at a San Leandro Hospital following a lengthy battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Born in Puerto Rico, Jose earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico. He came to the United States in 1960 and served in the US Army completing two tours in Vietnam. He retired following a combined 30 years in active and reserve capacities, earning the rank of Colonel.
Upon completion of his service to his country, Jose enjoyed a career as a real estate agent and office manager in Santa Cruz and real estate at Cabrillo College.
He was a loving and devoted husband and father, with many hobbies, civic responsibilities, and affiliations that he cherished. In Boulder Creek, he was a Boy Scout and Cub Scout Leader, San.
Jose is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Juliana Santiago of Boulder Creek, his children: son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Adrienne Santiago of Reno, NV; daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Frank Cardini of Watsonville, CA; son and daughter-in-law David and Maurine Santiago of Auburn, CA; and daughter and son-in-law Teresa and Jeff Kindred, of Ben Lomond, CA and eight grandchildren.
A mass will be held at San Agustin Catholic Church (257 Glenwood Drive) in Scotts Valley beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday September 5, 2015. Committal Services will be private. Any kind acts of charity can be made in his memory to Knights of Columbus Council #15705 of San Agustin Catholic Church of Scotts Valley or to help find a cure for ALS @ www.alsa.org. Share a memory or your favorite prayers with his family through the website @ www.pacificgardenschapel.com