Tio Junior,

      How I miss talking with you and having deep conversations. I miss and love you always. To the best Tio in the world.

Love you always 
Amy

Tio Jr,

It’s been a year since you’ve been gone away to heaven, not one day that I haven’t thought about what a great Tio you were to me and my sisters. Love you and always thinking of you Tio .

Love always 
Tina

Carmelo has always been an example of kindness & generosity that we should all strive for.  I am grateful that he was in my life and has always been an amazing role model to all of us. He will be missed everyday and his memory will live in my heart.   Love, kindness, compassion and 
generosity live forever. 

Grandpa was very involved with Make A Wish.

Grandpa was the epitome of a role model for everyone in this family. He always did the right thing, or at least tried to. He was a constant in my life for 36 years. He was always there for me through all my trials and tribulations. I'll miss his laugh and most of all I'll miss his advice. He taught me not to live in the past, but to forgive and move forward in life. My grandpa Carmelo was one in a million, and the love he showed me and this entire family was priceless. I love you grandpa, you'll always be a part of my life, and I'll treasure your memory till the end of my days.               
Love,
                                                    Desiree 

I was so sorry to hear that our dear friend Carmelo had passed.  

As well as being the best neighbors, Carmelo and his family were tremendous assets to the town of Putnam Valley.   I lived up the street from what will forever be called "Santos' Deli" and I remember when they first came to town and fixed up the store.

Carmelo was always involved in public life as long as I knew him.   He had a big heart and would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it.   He served on the school board, the town board and other positions as a volunteer.

His contributions to Putnam Valley will never be forgotten.  May Perpetual Light shine upon him.



Carmelo was the heart of the extended family - his warmth, caring, attention, guidance and humor made him important to everyone he touched. Years ago, he helped me navigate my first year at college, advised me when my dad died, and attended/celebrated my law school graduation (making sure my mom made it as well). I also realized that his less helpful more humorous advice - like when I was embarking on a cross country camping trip - was his way to help me be less stressed. I simply valued him. Renewing the in-person connection in recent years (when I visited Carlos and Brenda, or texting, and seeing him at weddings) was a blessing. He was the cousin who embodied family love and connection and who did so with his life partner and beautiful loving family. I will miss him and cherish him. May he continue to guide us as we remember him. 

I first met Carmelo in the late 60’s in the Bronx, and was  struck by how loving and positive he was, given that he had a job that showcased humanity not at its best. Carmelo’s smile and warmth were contagious and contributions to his family and friends are legendary. Terra ferma lost a wonderful person, heaven gained a beautiful soul. RIP. 
Lea Campbell. 

My deepest condolences to Lydia and family. I’ve known the family for thirty years, and every encounter with Carmelo was one of a very kind man who loved his family.  Love, Cata & Selena 

Dear Lydia, Denise, Andrew and Family, 
I'm sorry to hear of Carmelo's passing.  It was a numbing shock followed by deep sadness.  I wish there was something I could say to take away the grief and emotional pain your going through.  As we know when you lose someone you love taking each second of the day is what gets us through. Till you can put one foot in front of the other.  I know he was the Pilar of the family and to others.  You will always have your years of memories. And in time you will reflect on them.  It will eventually bring a smile even laughter to you. Those years will always be a part of your life.  And even if he isn't there in the physical form.  I believe he will always be by your side watching over all of you. I will always be grateful and thankful for the years he was in my life.  As well as my children's.  For he was the only father I had known.  May God carry you in these painful days ahead.  And may you find comfort in each other. 
Love Carmen,  Constance,  & Justin 

Dad, 
We first met in 1984 when I asked his daughter , and my wife Denise to meet her parents. I wanted to see how her parents Carmelo and Lydia  got along. I never realized at the time how special the Santos family is.  After 38 years I hit the family lotto. Carmelo became a father figure, mentor and big brother wrapped up in one special man. In good times of celebration and in tragedy Carmelo was the Only person that I looked upon for strength and guidance. Carmelo was a living and active disciple of God. His belief never waivered through the loss of his son Raymond, and grandson Michael Ray and many others. Carmelo was active in helping others with his wife Lydia who was always by his side. Carmelo and Lydia had a marriage that was the BEST I have ever seen. Donating time for Meals on wheels , Make a Wish Foundation  and Nami  for mental Illness, just to name a few. Carmelo I love you and Thank you for what you have done for myself and the entire family...
Your Loving Son in law Mike

I wrote this the morning my father passed to inform our wonderful, loving and supportive family of the tragic news...  A Beautiful Angel has entered the Gates of Heaven today. He will be missed by SO many  they can't be counted. This Angel touched SO many lives and he will NEVER be forgotten by ALL those that loved him. I'm sure he is excited to be Reunited with so many that have passed before him, but sad to leave his one TRUE love behind "Lydia". Please send her your prayers of strength, but know that she will never be alone.  Love You Forever and Always....Denise

Another sampling of Carmelo’s color art. We have this in our bonus room where we can enjoy it each evening.

I knew him when.  Carmelo painted this a few years ago, and while others may think it is, well, weird, it speaks to me because it is just so “choatic,” and what is life without a little weird and a little “choas?”

There is nothing I can write about Carmelo that others haven’t already written. Anyone who knew him loved him.  A most amazing man. Lois, Colin, Lydia…. Remember Cabos? What a crazy vacation! And Lydia, remember the cruise where everyone kept shouting, “There they are! Carmelo and Lydia!” after you two played (and won!) the Newlywed Game. You were Royal Carribbean Stars! And stars to all you know and love you. Carmelo touched lives he was never aware of, in ways he was never aware of. (He even overfed my puggies treats every chance he got just because he knew they wanted them!) He was a man of integrity and honor, a man of family, born of blood or born of love, a man of God who lived as he preached. The multitude of us who loved him is a testament to the great man he was and he will be missed and remembered through generations.

Go with God - Carmelo Santos - The Eternal Servant

Wanted to let you know that I am grateful for all the love and guidance you have given me for my life. 
It is hard to think about you passing and not feel sad. Sad because you were such an amazing Person. Sad because Mom has lost you. Sad for our Family and Friends that will no longer benefit from your guidance. Sad because you had an amazing zest for life and now that has ended here. 
We know that your journey in Heaven with Raymond, Michael Raymond, Grandma & Grandpa, Rosie, Mary, Ray, Mary Jo and so many of our other Family and Friends has just begun.  
I know you are probably organizing something up there to help other people or angels.  
In the meantime know we all love and miss you - Until we meet again.

Andrew Carmelo Santos

Carmelo, cousins and big brother we grew up together and grew old together, I will miss you every day. I know of no one more generous or caring than you; all of us are inspired by your life and in pain by your death. May heaven  benefit by adding your soul.

We at NAMI LCH are heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of our most dedicated and longest serving volunteers, Carmelo Santos. Carmelo was a kind and faithful man dedicated to his family and to helping others. Along with his wife Lydia, he was a beloved NAMI Family-to-Family teacher and Family Support Group facilitator. Carmelo also helped with our NAMIWalks event every year, raising money and pitching in at registration. His presence will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family during this time

Tio, you were the second father to all your nieces and nephews. You always made sure you gave time to Carmen, Denise, Raymond, and Andrew. You always made sure to make time for your nieces and nephews…
Tio, your loss is devastating to all of the people left behind, but always know you are the best Tio anyone can ask for.. I Love you always!

Amy

2021 visit with some of  the gang (except mike who was indispose lol). Carmelo and the family are dear to my heart. I have not felt like i had family interaction much in my life (aside from immediate) and reconnecting with you all has been a true gift.  Carmelo's smile,infectious laughter (at his own jokes even!), ability to sell ice to eskimos and  ensuing hilarity as well a his loving, family oriented demeanor will be missed. i am thankful to have had him apart of my life and memories always. My heart is with Lydia and all the family -LOVE YOU! - Mariel (Antolin) Apling

Trip to Disney- Grandpa rode the Buzz Lightyear ride with me. 

Buckingham Little League baseball game. Grandpa would make comments about the players throughout the entire game. 

An awesome picture of Nick with his four grandparents. 

Trip to Vermont to visit the Batt Family (and Serafina)! 

This was during Hurricane Irma, when my mom made Grandma and Grandpa sit in the bathroom with baseball helmets on. 

I’ve worked with Carmelo as a Eucharist Minister at the hospital, as a facilitator for our NAMI support group, and have fondest memories of him on our mission trips to Biloxi. He made us all laugh. A true family man, supporter for  the less fortunate, and a true Christian. Rest In Peace my friend, you will be missed.


Our deepest sympathy to all the Santos family We truly loved Carmelo and our thought and prayers are with all the family He is definitely at the right hand of God organizing everything that needs to be done. 
All our love
Fred And Fran

When Megin and Andrew  moved to Florida 18 years ago, our family was so lucky to get to come visit Lydia and Carmelo were always so welcoming especially to our four kids Lydia would cook her delicious food and Carmelo would ask questions and talk to the kids He was always deeply interested in what they had to say and would not shy away from challenging them and helping them to see other points of view Carmelo was whip smart and knew so much about many topics Our kids always said Carmelo and Lydia were their Florida grandparents and they knew they were loved by them We are so grateful to have shared so much with Carmelo and will miss him terribly We are comforted by the knowledge that he is at peace  in heaven with his parents, sister and his beloved son and grandson. Until we meet again Carmelo God Bless you We love you Erin, Jeff, Bridget Brendan Maura Grace and Maeve 

On our way home from a 10 day vacation we had a blast wished we planned more vacations sooner🥰

This train ride was the best as we drank rum and cokes listening to the train employees singing to us.. we laugh so much wishing my mom came🥰🥰. Thank you for the laughs and the fun memories.. We will sure miss you.. we love you so much like you were our dad.. GOD BLESS YOU!!

So glad we got to spend that day with you and titi we laugh so much on this vacation 2019. We were in the caves laughing  at the icicles shapes.. boy that was dirty 

How fortunate we feel to have had this evening with Carmelo, Lydia, Andrew & Megin. Lots of laughs over dinner a serious game of dominoes💕

To our beloved Tio,
You will forever be in our hearts and minds as the most generous and loving husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend anyone could ever ask for.  You made the world a brighter and more compassionate place. Thank you for imparting your wisdom, sense of hard work, ethics and love to us all. Thank you for everything Tio💕
Yliana, Nick and Serafina 

Colin and I had the pleasure of knowing Carmelo and Lydia. Carmelo was a kind, generous, caring, person and servant of God. He was always doing something for others.  They made us feel like part of their family and shared their wonderful family with us. 

We shared many laughs, card games, trips and meals. What great heartfelt memories we have of him and his lovely family. We were blessed to be a part of his life. 

We are so saddened by Carmelo’s passing, but we will meet again. Enjoy your reunions with those who have gone before you!  We pray for the earthly family for peace and comfort at this difficult time!  

We love you and are here for you!
Until we meet again!
With much love,
Colin and Lois Feng


passing, but we know he is joined in heaven by those who went before him. He is forever resting with our Lord.  

Grandpa loved to color and paint! It was his most recent hobby. I recently bought Grandpa a new Christmas themed book. The other day when I called, the first thing he told me was, "Isabella, this book you got me is terrible. The pictures are too small and it's too hard to color." 

This is a compilation of some of his most recent colorings. 

My grandfather Carmelo Santos was one of the greatest people I have ever met. He was a family man, who dedicated his entire life to those he loved. I am one of the few lucky enough to say that I knew him my entire life. I always saw how people constantly gravitated towards him and I am proud to call him my grandfather. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to have so many memories and wonderful experiences with him. I learned so many things from Grandpa: topics ranging from ice cream, NAMI, brain anatomy, cutting a mango, coloring books, painting a house, the value of family, service, and hard work. He knew a little bit about everything, and did not hesitate to let you know. I know that he is at peace, and we will always keep him close to our hearts. 
Love you ALWAYS Grandpa. 
XOXO Isabella (the favorite grandchild)  

There are so many stories about Carmelo. Or as I called him - CJ.  Being Lydia’s sister, I’ve known CJ for over sixty years. A very focused man who always knew what he wanted and set about to get it. He even became Town Supervisor of Putnam Valley!! He and Lydia were always giving to others in need; and Volunteering in various organizations. CJ lived his faith. He loved his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins. He so loved his parents and his sister Rosie. I’m so sorry he’s gone. However, his suffering is finished. And he’s left us all with so many great memories that he will always be in our hearts. I’ll miss you so much dear brother. 💔💕❤️😞

My memory of Tio is when he would pick my sisters and I and mommy from the Bronx to go to Peekskill and visit for the week or when the entire family would drive from the Bronx all the way to deposit N.Y the best memories ever. I also remember Tio stopping by when we lived in the Bronx ST. Lawrence and would pick up the garbage on the street and would tell me to continue doing as he would and from those days on if I see any garbage on the street I pick it up learned lesson from my Tio that I will miss so dearly but these memories will always be etched in my heart. Love you and miss you already. Thanks for the two weeks my sisters and I recently just spent with you . Tio you were the back bone of this family. Love you see you in heaven🥲🥲🥲😘😘😘

Carmelo has spent a very short 80 years simply just making things easier for everyone he has crossed path with. He had a special gift of simply helping people believe in themselves. Sometimes this servant of God simply delivered a warm meal and sometimes just a prayer over a sick soul. His nick name for me was Feo. For some strange reason it was said with such affection and love. His Family was everything to him and he was everything to us. Rest In Peace Tio until our paths cross again. Peter Gonzalez and Family 

OBITUARY

Carmelo Santos

March 1, 1942 – September 25, 2022

Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park

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