Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, son of the late Patricio and Adelina (Martinez) Santiago, he came to the United States in 1965, lived in Bronx, New York for 7 years, then Yonkers, and then moved to Philadelphia for 20 years. He moved and settled in New Bedford in 1983.
While in New York, he worked in maintenance and was a machine operator in Philadelphia. In New Bedford, he worked for AD Makepeace which is now Ocean Spray Cranberries.
Israel enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening and playing dominos with family and friends. In earlier years, he was a boxer and enjoyed watching sports on television especially boxing events. He was a handy man and could fix almost anything. Israel was known as a prankster and jokester and loved spending time with his loving family.
He is survived by his children, Brenda Perez and husband Pedro of New Jersey, Nestor Gonzalez and wife Sadalia of Fall River, Israel Santiago, Jr. and significant other Jahira Cruz of New Bedford, Julio Angel Santiago and significant other Nelly Soto of New Bedford, Patricio Oscar Santiago of Shirley, MA and Jacqueline Santiago and husband Rodney Berberena of New Bedford; his significant other Sonia Gomez of New Bedford; his siblings Angel L., Francisco, Jose, Carmen, Zoraida and Santos Santiago and his late brother Julio Santiago; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 27, 2020 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with a Celebration of Life at 12 p.m. in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. For online tributes, please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com
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