Gilberto Santos Santiago, affectionately known as “Papo,” a beloved resident of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, passed on May 12. He was born on Dec. 1, 1948, in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Gilberto was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished great-grandfather, beloved brother, uncle, and dear friend to many. Known for his warm spirit, quick wit, and remarkable sense of humor, Papo had a special gift for making others laugh and bringing joy into every room he entered. His presence was one of strength, love, and laughter, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Adela Santiago and Gilberto Santos.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Clara Elena Santos Cortes; his loving children, Clara Elena Santos, Yamara Marie Santos, Kari Anais Santos, Shari Elizabeth Santos, Aldemar Santos, and Omar Renee Santos. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Aldemar Santos Jr., Alijah Santos, Gabriel Victor Santos, Michael Malek Williams (Adopted), Sasha Elena Santos, Alena Kimberly Williams, Nathan Perez (Adopted), Omar Renee Santos Jr., and Kairo Mykai Williams; and his treasured great-grandson, Leonardo Santos. Gilberto is also survived by his loving sisters: Eneida Santos, Maria Elmida Santos, Noemi Santos, Carlotita Santos, Irma Santos, and Magali Malek Santos; his stepbrother, Isidro Rodriguez. He leaves fond memories with his beloved nieces: Sherina Feliciano Santos, Liza Feliciano Santos, Erica Flores, and Elisa Flores; nephews: Joseph S. Malek, James P. Malek, Allen Feliciano Santos, Eric Feliciano Santos, Williams J. Santos, Stephen J. Santos, and Alejandro Lopez Santos. He is further survived by his daughters-in-law, Denise Santos – Skov and Stacy Santos; son-in-law, Wilfred A. Williams; brothers-in-law, Alberto Feliciano, James Malek, and Williams Santos. He also leaves behind his special friends and extended family, the Rosado Family, Wilkinson Family, Perez Family, Saldana Family, Miller Family, Guerra Family, and Santiago Family, whose love, friendship, and support meant so much throughout his life. Along with many other relatives, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and love. Though he may be gone from our sight, his laughter, wisdom, and love will remain with us forever.
Funeral service will be held on May 28, at Iglesia Hermanos Unidos En Cristo. Viewing begins at 9:30 am, with service at 10:30 am. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
