Sgt. Melvin Santiago

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Veteran, Sgt. Melvin J. Santiago. He passed peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the age of 83 with family by his side. Melvin was a loving and caring man with a strong will, hilarious sense of humor, and a laugh that lit up any room. Born in Lajas, Puerto Rico on July 26, 1941, to Marina Cintron and Jesus Santiago; he was raised in Lajas and San German, Puerto Rico where he began his military career in the United States Army and served thirty years. He traveled the world and favorited places like France, Germany, Spain, Belize, and Egypt while serving in the military.

When he was able, he loved spending his days bicycling, riding his scooter, tinkering, woodworking, caring for animals, engineering, and had a special hobby of building small towns with metal railways to operate trains throughout. It was an honor to watch his work come to fruition.

Melvin married Gladys in March 1975. In this union, he and Gladys brought Glenda Santiago and Glenys Garcia into this world and created a wonderful family they raised together.

Melvin was preceded in death by his mother, Marina Cintron, father, Jesus Santiago, and sister, Eleticia Santiago. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Gladys Santiago, daughters Glenda Santiago and Glenys Garcia, son-in-law Simon Garcia, granddaughter Gia Garcia, bonus granddaughters Elliana and Tatum Garcia, and very beloved dog Franchie Santiago, along with many loving relatives, friends, and veteran brothers who will never forget the love, joy, and humor he brought to their lives.

Melvin loved the military more than life itself, lived life to its fullest and always had faith in God. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to others and gave words of wisdom to anyone who needed it. He left this life as a family man, graciously loving his wife, children, and grandchildren. We mourn his loss but take comfort knowing that he is no longer suffering. He leaves a void that could never be filled and a legacy of pride and joy in cherished memories for all who knew him. He will live on in our hearts forever and we know we shall see him again in heaven as we live on for eternity through our heavenly father Jesus Christ.

"Hooah."