Anastacio A. Santiago

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Anastacio A. Santiago, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

Anastacio was born on October 23, 1923 in Jalisco, Mexico. He was the son of Lazaro and Manuela Almos. Raised in Jalisco, Mexico, Anastacio came to California at the age of 20 and was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Anastacio was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Anastacio was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Anastacio was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Anastacio also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Anastacio was raised with three siblings, Lupe, Pia, and Eberardo, and seven half-siblings. Anastacio was constantly involved in activities with his family. Anastacio and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Anastacio was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Anastacio was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Anastacio was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Anastacio took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in soccer and swimming. In his spare time he liked singing, and playing the harmonica and guitar. Anastacio was unable to go to school because he started working to support his brothers and sisters.

Most folks would say that Anastacio was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Anastacio was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Anastacio best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Anastacio kept. While growing up, his best friend was Valdeman Simon Garcia. Later in life, he became friends with Jose Santana, Jaunito, Judy, and Mike.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Anastacio. On June 22, 1948 Anastacio married Eva Sierra in Washoe County, Nevada. He was totally committed to Eva and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Anastacio naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Anastacio disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Anastacio was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Anastacio was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Anastacio was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Anastacio was blessed with seven children, five sons, Robert, Gilbert, Robert (deceased), Eddie, and George, and two daughters, Linda and Gloria. They were also blessed with 17 grandchildren: BJ, Yvette, Nicole, Lisa, Cece, Stephanie, Gilbert, Bobby, Michelle, Lavonne, Elaine, Paula, Brandy, Celina, Maritza, Eddie, and Ashley; 42 great-grandchildren: Anita, Vincent, Heaven, Serenity, Andrew, Manuel, Reylene, Alia, Jessica, Arriana, Diego, Sarah, Daisy, Serena, Daniel, Paulina, Nestor, Michael, Andrew, Bobby, Emma, Javier, Isabella, Ana, Destiny, Israel, Leticia, Isaiah, Sofia, Vincent, Breanna, Michael, Allysah, Erika, Mariah, Eddie Jr., Daliah, Vanessah, Anthony, Analeyla, and Mikayla; and 2 great-great-grandchildren: Daniel and Isabella.

If you gave Anastacio a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Anastacio was always on task. Without hesitation, Anastacio could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was labor and construction. He was employed by Labor Local 270 Constructions. During that time, Anastacio excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Anastacio was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Anastacio had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Anastacio liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Anastacio's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Anastacio preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were singing, gardening, and cooking. Anastacio was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Anastacio often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. He enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were soccer, boxing, and the 49er's football team.

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Anastacio. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was a member of Sacred Heart.

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Anastacio had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Tijuana, Reno, and Tahoe.

When Anastacio's retirement finally arrived in June 12, 1984, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved relocating to San Jose, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in singing, gardening, and cooking. Even in retirement, Anastacio continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Anastacio passed away on February 4, 2013 at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California. Anastacio fought a long month battle against pneumonia. He is survived by his children Robert, Gilbert, Linda, Gloria, Eddie, and George. Services were held at Chapel of the Roses at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Anastacio was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Anastacio was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Anastacio was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Anastacio Santiago was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Anastacio. He will be missed.