Baudelio Gomez De Santiago

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan De Santiago and his son, Phillip De Santiago (Rosemary). He is survived by his loving wife, Rachel Romero De Santiago, his children; Sally Luna (Ruben), Virginia Almazon (Sal), Marlene Gonzales (Pete), Roger De Santiago (Susan), Sandra Dominguez (Raul), Sylvia Perry (Jim) and Rita Andrade (Alejandro).

Baudelio, was the 5th of 12 children born to Pedro and Rafela De Santiago. His siblings include: Felipe, Josephina, Elena, Robert, Esteban, Maria, Pedro Jr., Gudalupe, Ruben, Carmela and Raquel. Although Bauldelio spent his childhood raised on the family ranch, (Rancho de Las Bocas) in the city of Huejucar, Jalisco, Mexico at the age of 16, he discovered he was born a United States citizen and returned to his birthplace, Ontario, Ca., with his two brothers Robert and Esteban by his side.

As fate would have it, his return to the states, led him to meet the love of his life while visiting his uncle at his Ontario home. A year after their introduction, with Baudelios persistence, Rachel Romero (15), and Baudelio (19) began dating. Baudelio adored Rachel and quickly knew then, this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. After 2 years of dating, Baudelio respectfully requested Rachel's hand in marriage.

Rachel, then 17 and Baudelio, 21, were married in Santa Ana, Ca., on August 28, 1948. Together, they had nine children. Baudelio was the most loving father. He taught discipline, respect and love, always leading by example. He was a dedicated, hard worker. He worked at Beuton Plating/Keystone Plating for 34 years. He took pride in being the sole provider of his household, allowing Rachel to stay home and care for their children.

Baudelio loved to joke, play and do magic tricks for his kids. He loved Mexican music, playing the guitar, dancing and singing with his siblings and family during the holidays or at every family gathering. He was proud of his Mexican culture. Frijoles, chicharones and 2 shots of his “Black Velvet” whiskey daily combined with all the love from his family is what kept him strong and youthful for 95 years. Bauldelio loved making memories with his family. Loading up all his kids and taking annual trips to Yosemite, building campfires and swimming in the river is one of many family traditions that carries on today.

Through his union with his wife Rachel, and their 9 children, Baudeilo leaves behind a beautiful legacy of 26 Grandchildren, 58 Great-Grandchildren and 8 Great-Great grandchildren. Baudelio was a righteous man, grounded in faith, always portraying the importance of being a loving united family. In addition to his many roles, Baudelio also took the responsibility of a Godfather, baptizing 18 children.

At the time of his passing, Bauldelio was home, with his wife of 74 years, Rachel, and his family by his side.

Special favorite memories from his children:

Rita - Every year while driving to the river or Yosemite, he would holler “Is everybody happy?" We would all holler back, "Yaa!!" he would say "I can't hear you!?" and we would holler back again "YAA!!"

Sandra and Roger - Dad would drive us over the big dip on Guasti road and go real fast.

Sylvia - As a little girl, I always looked forward to when he got home from work so we could take off his rubber boots and peel the tape off from his socks.

Marlene - “One year no one remembered my birthday except my mom. I was sad. My mom told my dad when he came home from work. He called me to his bedroom to wish me a happy birthday. He told me to get my shoes on and he took me to get an ice cream. Just the 2 of us. He was my hero that day!”

He would play with us "Hide the Belt." One person hides the belt (outside the backyard) and whoever finds it chases everyone trying to hit them with the belt. He had us all laughing and screaming.”

He would let us play with his beautiful black hair and put it into lots of small ponytails.

Waking up early with him to chat and watch him eat his soft boiled eggs with coffee. Sometimes he would share a taste.

When we were playing with some of our cousins in the room at night he would pound on the outside window and make a scary noise. He had all us girls screaming, crying, and fighting to get out the bedroom door first.

A visitation for Baudelio will be held Monday, March 11, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at St. George Catholic Church, 505 N Palm Ave, Ontario, CA 91762.

A rosary service will occur Monday, March 11, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM, 505 N Palm Ave, Ontario, CA 91762.

A funeral service will occur Monday, March 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, 505 N Palm Ave, Ontario, CA 91762.

A committal service will occur Monday, March 11, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 W G St, Ontario, CA 91762.