Rafael Ortiz Santiago

RAFAEL “SANDY” ORTIZ SANTIAGO, 74, passed away due to complications with diabetes on 23 February 2021 at Community Hospice Douglas Center in downtown Jacksonville, FL. He was born 24 October 1946 in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija (Philippines) the son of Rudy Tan and Emilia (Ortiz) Santiago; he was the oldest of nine children.

Rafael graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1963, and FEATI University, Class of 1966. Following graduation, he joined the United States Navy. During a USO event in 1968 in Jacksonville, FL, he met and feel in love with Martha Rachel Shinall; they were wed six months later at the chapel on Naval Air Station Cecil Fields. In January, they celebrated 52 years of marriage. Sandy proudly served in the United States Navy for 30 years, and retired as a Command Master Chief, AKCM (AW) in July 1996.

In addition to his father, he was predeased by a sister, Estelita and son, Robert. Surviving in addition to his bride, Rachel (Shinall) and his mother Emilia are his daughter, Michelle Santiago Pierce and her husband, Brian; four grandchildren, Ryan Santiago, Joshua Williams, Amber McCalip, and Emilia Williams; three great-grandchildren, Teagan Santiago, Lincoln McCalip, and Hadley Williams; three brothers, Rudolfo Santiago, Rolando Santiago, and Rodrigo Santiago; four sisters, Erlinda Soberano, Araceli Bontilao, Erica Hoy, and Emily Marquez; MANY nieces and nephews.

A graveside service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 March 2021 at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetary, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Those who wish to remember AKCM (AW) Rafael O Santiago, USN (Ret.) in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256.