Juan "Ciro" Santiago, 63, Enjoyed Hunting and Fishing

He was born in Barrinquitas, Puerto Rico on May 15, 1951 and had been a resident of Lorain since childhood; he attended Lorain High School.

Ciro had been employed as a utility man at Ford Motor Company’s Lorain Assembly Plant; he retired from the automaker on July 30, 1996. He was a long-time member of United Autoworkers Local 425.

A parishioner of Sacred Heart Chapel, Mr. Santiago was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. Additional interests included dancing and swimming.

He possessed a passion for boxing and shared his love for the sport with the youth of Lorain by serving as a boxing coach throughout the city. Most recently, he instructed young athletes at the Harrison Center.

Ciro is survived by his son Evangelista (Sylvia) Vargas residing in Alexandria, Virginia and by his daughter Crystal Champion of Lorain. He also leaves six grandchildren and four grandchildren. Additional survivors include his mother Maria Ortiz of Lorain, his fiancée Lora McDowell of Lorain, brothers Carlos Santiago of Lorain Angel Ortiz of Columbus, Tony Ortiz of Lorain and James Ortiz of Elyria, along with sisters Miriam Velez of Lorain, Caroline Ortiz of Lorain, Marylou Ortiz of Lorain, and Jeanette Ortiz also of Lorain.

He was preceded in death by his father Eliodoro “Lolo” in 1979, by brothers Ramon in 1951, David in 1999, and Jose in 2004 and by sisters Lucy in 2003 and Lydia in 2004.

Friends may call on Thursday December 4th from 4 until 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Additional visitation will take place Friday in Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Reverend William Thaden, pastor of the parish will preside. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

To share your memories and condolences with Mr. Santiago’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.