Arthur Santiago

Arthur Santiago November 2, 1927 – February 9, 2022 Arthur Santiago, 94, passed away surrounded by loved ones. He was a long-time resident of Vallejo and a native son of Stockton. He was also a parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church. Arthur is preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Theodosia June Florez Santiago. He is survived by his children, Victoria Santiago of Oakland, Steven Santiago of Oakland, Roberta Santiago with her husband David Swanson of Castro Valley, Lora Santiago of Vallejo, and Vanessa Santiago of Martinez; his granddaughters, Pamela Churchill and Kimberly Sweeney of Oakland; and his sister, Virginia Mateo of Altadena. Arthur served in three wars in his long military career. At age 16, he left school to join the Merchant Marines. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Transport out of Fort Mason, CA, which operated in the Pacific Theater of WWII. Among other tasks, they delivered essential troops to Darwin, Australia. In the U.S. Army, he eventually completed overseas tours of duty in Korea fighting during the Korean Conflict, in Libya surveying the Sahara Desert, in Panama training in jungle warfare, and in Vietnam serving in the Special Forces as a Communications Sergeant during the Vietnam War. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army in 1971, Arthur and his family permanently settled back in Vallejo. He began a new chapter in his life as a civilian. At Laney College in Oakland, he earned an A.S. and Certificate in HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician. After completing a Mare Island Naval Shipyard Apprenticeship, he worked as a Journeyman Equipment Mechanic (Machinest Marine) servicing submarines in Nuclear Refueling. Arthur retired from the shipyard in 1989. He focused on more leisurely activities such as reading novels, studying military and Filipino histories, researching family genealogy, listening to jazz, watching sports, and working out at the gym. At age 57, he started training and competing in running races all over the SF Bay Area. Arthur was devoted to his wife, June, and worried for her sake when he was stationed overseas away from the family. When he was home, he was a strict disciplinarian teaching his children “Love and respect of the family, respect for others, honesty in dealing with all aspects of life, and striving to do your best in whatever goals you set for yourself.” As his children became adults, Arthur shared more of his sense of humor, his expertise on how things worked, and his storytelling. He enjoyed home life and would often work on the daily crossword puzzle from the newspaper with his cat Zoom Zoom in his lap. Arthur will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Disabled American Veterans Chapter (DAV.org) in memory of Arthur. A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 11:00 am at All Souls Cemetery Chapel, 550 Glen Cove Road, Vallejo, CA. A Commitment Ceremony will follow at 12:00 pm at the grave-site. Condolences to the family may be sent to: csmbert@gmail.com Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com

Arthur Santiago

November 2, 1927 - February 9, 2022