Obituary of Teodoro Santiago

Luis (Teodoro) Santiago "Luis Grande" age 81 of Washington, NJ passed away peacefully Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Haven Hospice, JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ. Luis was born Teodoro Luis Santiago Calvo on November 19, 1929 in Barrio Los Pollos, Patillas, Puerto Rico. He always told his children he could not attend school past the fourth grade due to lack of shoes, but he never let this stop him from pursuing life. After all, he always said, "the very best thing is to be alive". Drafted out of the sugar cane fields by the US Army, he served honorably in the Korean conflict. Afterwards he came to New Jersey, where for a period he worked two jobs. On advice of his brother moved to Washington where he worked for American Can Company for 35 years. He also was a member of the American Legion for over 20 years. Avid Mets fan, Luis liked all teams except the NY Yankees. He taught his children the importance of family and friends, and will be missed by many, especially those who would drop by to share whatever he had simmering on his stove. He is survived by his six children-Maria Christina Carrion, Maria Luisa Santiago, Carmen Edith Santiago, Rosita Santiago, Priscilla Santiago Larino, Luis Santiago Jr., seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. A visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011 from 5 to 8 pm at DeVoe Funeral Home, 136 West Washington Avenue, Washington NJ 07882. Service will be held at 10 am Thursday, October 13 at DeVoe Funeral Home, burial will follow in St. Josephs Cemetery, Washington, NJ. Memorial donations may be sent to Whispering Knoll Special Care Community c/o Bernice Ambroise-Hollins, 62 James Street, Edison NJ 08820. "Salud y Pecetas"