Antonio Galvan Santiago 80, of Glendale, AZ went into his wife’s loving arms on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 2:38 pm after close to eight years. Antonio “Tony” was born March 13, 1938 to Bibiano and Paula Galvan Santiago in Ajo, AZ and was the youngest of the family. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958. He met his beautiful bride and wife Erminia Olea, shortly out of the service and they were married for nearly 51 years before her sudden passing on October 3, 2010 which left him devastated. He was never the same after that day!
In Ajo, Mr. Santiago was a Copper Miner working for Phelps Dodge close to thirty years, as well as working overhaul outages in Laughlin, Nevada for many years. He retired as a Groundskeeper from Phoenix College in 2001. Tony enjoyed in his early days being outside gardening, fixing up his trees, pruning, and just enjoying the sun! Sunday football games were the best and let’s not forget Basketball - he knew who was playing, who got traded, and enjoyed having these conversations with his grandsons! He was known for his quick wit, his music, and memories.
He was preceded in death by his love Erminia O. Santiago, and survived by son Antonio Jr; daughter Debra (Josh) Lopez; son Salvador; and daughter Frances (John) Mateo; 11 grandchildren Julia Erminia, Kristopher, Antonio III, Kayla, Michael, Sarra, Salvador Jr, Jessica, John Jr, Katie, and Cassandra, 12 great grandchildren, Alex, Mia, Sabrina, Isaac, Jayden, Tai, Raiza, Brizia, Benny Jr., Carly, Ari, and Ruby and by Brothers Frank Santiago, Gaspar Santiago, and sister Bertha Castro.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 5 - 8 pm with a rosary service at 6 pm at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 17, 2018 at 10 am at Sts. Simon & Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix. Interment will follow at the National Cemetery of AZ, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix with full military honors.
Dad you were loved by so many and will be missed deeply. Your memories will never be forgotten. Mom and you are now together forever dancing, embracing, and conversing which is what you have been waiting for these past eight years! Bundle up together, I be fine! WE Love you with all our hearts!
