David Santos

David Santos, lovingly known as Dave, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2025, at the age of 78, with family by his side. He quietly succumbed to a rapid two-month onset and progression of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and fatal neurological condition.

Born on February 25, 1947, to Mary and Arthur Santos in Fall River, MA, Dave was the third of six children whose grandparents immigrated from the Azores Islands. He grew up in the Portuguese section of the bustling mill town, full of textile factories and historical three-decker tenement buildings. Dave enjoyed playing in the vibrant neighborhoods and along the waterfront as a child, with a favorite hobby of building model cars.

A proud veteran, Dave served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from February 1967 through November 1968. His skills were quickly recognized, leading to his role in small arms repair when he wasn’t on guard duty or performing other wartime activities. After returning home and working as a mason, Dave pursued his interests in mechanics and electronics by completing courses in electronics, electricity, and drafting. He attended the Northeast Institute of Industrial Technology in Boston, MA, earning a diploma in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology in 1975.

Inspired by friends who had moved to California and spoke of job opportunities and the beautiful southern weather, Dave decided to join them. It was in Los Angeles that he met Debby, and they soon relocated together to San Diego in 1979 with Debby’s job transfer, married, and started their family. Dave worked in refrigeration and air conditioning at the VA Hospital in La Jolla, CA, and later transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist. He maintained airway navigational aids, runway lighting, and other environmental services at various airports in San Diego County, retiring from government service after 32 years.

Dave was beloved by all, known for his entertaining stories and distinctive accent. He enjoyed a good laugh with family and friends and, as a true history buff, engaged in elaborate conversations. His appreciation for music led him to set up sound systems around the house and share stories of attending the 1969 Woodstock festival. Dave was passionate about house projects, completing large and tedious tasks from masonry and construction to plumbing, electrical, and landscaping. He once completely re-tiled his backyard in-ground swimming pool and spa. Known for taking things apart and repairing them, he was always helpful to neighbors and friends with troubleshooting, repairing, or installing parts or components. Friends often stopped by in their cars to have him charge their A/C systems. In his younger years, Dave enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle in charity rides, driving his Jeep and truck, taking the family camping, and more recently, traveling through scenic parks and highways in his motorhome.

Dave was immensely proud of his family and loved watching his grandchildren grow and develop. He is survived by his wife Debby, children David Santos (Suzanne) and Erin Harrison (Scott), six grandchildren, sisters Nancy Fontaine and Doreen Levrault, and brothers Arthur Santos and Richard Santos. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Cheryl Marion.

A memorial service is planned for March 6, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA, with a celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Dave’s favorite charity, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).