On April 9, 2026, the Lord welcomed home our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, whom we as a family lovingly knew as “Neno”, “Daddy” and “Pipa”.

We were blessed to have had the most honorable, exceptional, and giving man as an example of what it means to live life with integrity and always keep a kindness of soul. He blessed our family for 86 years with countless hugs, kisses, silly smiles and usually a snack or two.

He gave us the world and asked nothing in return. His heart was filled with an abundance of compassion, and he was a blessing to everyone he met, whether he knew them or not; but anyone who did know him, knew without a shadow of a doubt and above all things, that his entire world was always his “Negra”. Their love story that started as children and lasted the expanse of 75 years, never wavered, even until their last sweet dream together. He passed away peacefully at home, laying beside the love of his life, exactly as he would have wanted it.

Although our hearts are saddened, we know this is not goodbye…..it’s just see you later.

We love you.

Ramon L. Santiago-Rosario was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico on March 22, 1940. He completed 28 years of distinguished service in the United States Army and worked another 17 years in civil service as a computer systems analyst. During his time in the military, he served with the highest degree of distinction, earning numerous ribbons and medals, such as the Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Service Medal and several Presidential awards.

Some of his greatest joys were betting on the horse races, tending to his yard, tinkering with anything from computers to engines, dancing, enjoying his music, making lechon asado and spending time with his family.

Ramon was preceded in death by his father- Julio Santiago, his mother- Antonia Rosario, two sisters and two brothers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Luz E. Santiago; his children, Lisette Santiago Komski (Raymond), Ramon L. Santiago Jr. (Sharon), Sheila Santiago Phillips (Wayne), Jackelyn Santiago Poole (Sandra); grandchildren, Jessica Dixon (Sean), Jade Spurgeon (Justin), Jeremy Dhooghe (Leah), Ramon L. Santiago III (Tekarah ), Christopher Jones (Holly), Megan Jones, Ashton Boland (Michael); and great-grandchildren, Ilday Sotomayor, Oliver Dixon, Hunter Spurgeon, Amari Santiago, Elias Dixon, Harrison Spurgeon and Maisie Jones.

A gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service from at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org).