He was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, on April 28, 1935, to Ismael Santiago and Angelita Roque.
He joined the U.S Air Force and served for 22 years. He continued to serve in Civil Services at Ft. Sam and the Universal City Post Office. He obtained his Bachelors Degree from Southwest Texas State University.
He enjoyed umpiring and refereeing at Randolph Air Force Base, the New York Yankees, and talking about the days he played baseball.
He also enjoyed talking about when he and his Glowtone's brothers performed in Tops and Blues at the Apollo Theater. He had a love for music and dancing, that started with his father.
He loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He enjoyed the company of family pets and daily walks.
He is preceded in death by his wife, June Santiago and his son, Rigoberto Santiago, Jr.
He is survived by his daughters, Trisha Castilleja, Erin Santiago, and Kerin Santiago, his daughter in law, Roshayl Santiago, his brother, Fernando Capblanca, his grandchildren, AJ Castilleja and spouse Monica, Aarik Castilleja, Noah Santiago, Michael Santiago, Alexis Montgomery and spouse Jake, Madison Santiago, and his great grandchildren, Tripp Castilleja, Layla Montgomery.
A special Thank you to the family and friends who supported him through the years.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donation to Alzheimer's Association.
