Tomas Santiago, 85, Enjoyed Gardening

He was born March 18, 1916 in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. As a child, he moved to Caguas, Puerto Rico. In 1948, he moved to Trenton, New Jersey. In 1951, he made Lorain his home.

Mr. Santiago was a painter for Freuhauf Trailer Corp in Avon Lake until 1967. He worked there 21 years. He retired in 1981 from United States Steel Co. Lorain-Cuyahoga Works, Lorain.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain, Where he was a member of the Sociedad de Santo Nombre, and the Cursillo Movement. He was also member of the United Steel Workers, local 1104, Lorain. He enjoyed gardening, playing dominoes, and reading. He built a baseball field in Caguas where his friends all played. He was an accomplished cuatro player, which he was self, taught at the age of five. He especially enjoyed playing it in the church choir during the 8:00 AM masses. Mr. Santiago coached the boys baseball team for Sacred Heart Chapel, winning the Lorain City Championship in1969, 1970 and 1971.

Among the survivors is his wife of 62 years, Antonia (nee Rosario) of Lorain; sons Carlos Santiago of Amherst, Alfonso of Pontiac, Michigan, Tomas Santiago of Lorain and Jose Santiago of Seffner Florida; daughters Carmen Delgado, Sylvia "Cindy" Martinez and Rosa Santiago all of Lorain, Ana Miranda of Oberlin and Lydia Ely of Avon Lake; 23 Grandchildren, 30 Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandson; brothers Ramon and Cornelio Santiago both of Caguas, Puerto Rico and a sister Pabla of Caguas, Puerto Rico.

He was preceded in death by his daughters Lydia, and Tomasina Santiago; his parents Juan and Valentina (nee Mulero) Santiago; brother Jose and sister Lorenza.

Friends may call Thursday, February 21, 2002 at 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, Lorain, Ohio. Funeral service will be Friday, February 22, 2002 with 8:45 AM closing prayers in the funeral home followed by 9:30 AM Mass of the Resurrection in Sacred heart Chapel 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend William A. Thaden, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.