- Date Of Birth: July 12, 1929
- Date Of Death: February 5, 2023
- State: New Mexico
Mr. Juan Santiago passed into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 5, 2023.
He is preceded in death by Mrs. Nina Santiago, mother of their children; parents Sisto and Maria Santiago; sisters Pauline, Lourdes; son-in-law, Dr. Joe Valles, and loving and most precious
daughter Rita Santiago-Greene.
Juan’s surviving children are Johnnina Ortega and husband Bob Ortega, their children: Feliz and Adan; Joanne Valles and departed Dr. Joe Valles, their sons: Doctors Domingo and Emiliano Valles and nephews Jason and Javier; Michael Santiago and wife Maurice Santiago, their children: Jon Michael and Megan, Mario Santiago and Karla; his children: Moses, Selina, Carlos; Jude Padilla and husband Michael Padilla; their sons: Esequiel and Diego; Damian and Joshua Jenkins; Hunter Greene, his son in law; his daughter Nina; Jacinta Ortega and husband retired Fire Chief Robert E. Ortega, their children: Bobbi Jo, Gabriella, Simone, Francisco and Santiago; Jacqueline Santiago Gurule and husband Michael Gurule, their daughters: Desiree, Adrianne, Bernadette; Matthew Santiago and wife Alexis Johnson, their sons: Jarreau and Tyler Santiago; Maura Santiago-Blakemore and husband Stacey Blakemore, their children: Jazmine, Miles, and Quincy. His 11 children filled his life with pride, and his 68 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren brought him joy. He will also be missed by his surviving brothers: Tony, Sifi; sisters: Moncy, Peggy, plus a host of grandchildren, godchildren, relatives, and friends. Most of all his absence will truly be felt by Susan Candelaria his best friend, partner and “guardian angel here on earth” and her niece, Abbey and nephews, Alex, and Jayden.
He was born on July 12, 1929, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Juan lived a full and happy life. As a first generation Mexican American, he was raised in the Manuel and Williams neighborhood. He attended Lincoln Jr. High and for a short time attended Albuquerque High School. He dropped out of school when he was accepted into the welding apprenticeship for the Santa Fe Railroads at the age of 16. There, he learned to weld on steam engines. His team picture now hangs in the Albuquerque Rail Yards Museum. On April 29, 1948, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve where he served and was honorably discharged on April the 28, 1953. He spoke well of his tour of duty especially his time on a battleship stationed in Hawaii.
While attending Albuquerque high school he dated and fell in love with, Nina Santiago. They were married as teenage sweethearts and for 25 years they raised 11 children together. During his heyday, Juan had a variety of interests. As a young adult he played centerfield for the Williams Blue Jays, a neighborhood baseball team. He was a great bowler on the “Easy Does It” bowling team and attended many of his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved to dance and was famous for his ability to Jitterbug. He spent many hours dancing at the Solo Club. He enjoyed playing the slots and would follow anyone who asked, “Who wants to go to the casino?”. When he walked into the Rio Grande Credit Union to get his monthly statement, everybody knew his name. He regularly attended Isleta Club meetings where he would tell his story about his road to sobriety. Juan Santiago had the gift of gab! Juan was a family man. He was a parishioner and a long-time usher at St. Charles Church. He worked for American Car and Foundry (ACF), Spartan Southwest as a welder, and finally retired from General Electric (GE). He had a Q-clearance and a salary that supported a family of 11. He was respected by his fellow workers. At any time of the day, he could be found at the Frontier with a bowl of green chili stew and Susan by his side. He loved talking to the Lobo athletes and was proud to introduce Hunter Greene as his son-in-law.
What a life and his legacy will live forever!
Juan’s Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary to be recited on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at 1818 Coal Pl SE, 87106.
We would like to express our gratitude to his hospice Nurse Ashley and Chaplin David from Ambercare. They cared for our father for 2 years.
