Jose Santiago

Jose Santiago, 73, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tobey Hospital after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Maria “Herminia” (Furtado) Santiago. They would have shared 52 years of marriage on June 23rd.

Born in Sao Paulo Brazil, a son of the late Vitoriano and Maria (Occon) Santiago he grew up there before coming to America. He was a communicant of St. Antony of Padua Church.

Jose was a man of many passions. He found joy in the art of the hunt at flea markets, yard sales, and department stores. He was a collector of many things but especially loved to collect Hotwheels. He loved traveling with his beloved wife and helping her prepare food for the many family gatherings they hosted.

He had many talents and was always helping his sons with a project. Jose was an avid fan of the Brazilian national soccer team and enjoyed cheering them on and collecting new jerseys. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You would often find him cheering on his grandchildren at their many sporting events, dance recitals and school performances or just spending time at home making them laugh with his silly antics.

Mr. Santiago worked as a machine operator at Johnson & Johnson. Jose’s family would like to say a special thank you for Filomena “911” and Carlos Correia for all their help. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the staff on the third floor of Tobey Hospital.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Marcelo Santiago and his wife Michelle of New Bedford, Marcos Santiago and his wife Lisa of Franklin, and Marcio Santiago and his wife Ashley of Marion; seven grandchildren, Rachel, Candice, Maxwell, Lillian, Brandon, MJ, Scarlett, and Kayla; four great grandchildren, Malia, Bria, Aria, and Cole; siblings, Luiz Santiago, Antonio

Santiago, Gumercindo Santiago, and Sonia Santos all of Brazil; many nieces and nephews; and Godchildren. He was the brother of the late Victoriano Santiago.

Jose's visitation will be Wednesday, June 25, 2025 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. www.rock-funeralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or www.lbda.org.