Santiago Marrero Sapitan Jr.

A Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Atlantic Beach FL. with Father Rafael Lavilla presiding.

A reception will follow in the church hall, and we hope you will join us to break bread and reminisce together.

Marc will be laid to rest at Chapel Hills Memory Garden in Jacksonville at a private family service later the same day.

Marc was born to Santiago and Elba (Marrero) Sapitan on October 2,1952 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His father was in the Navy and the family lived in Puerto Rico, Florida, California, and the Philippines where Marc attended George Dewey High School and developed lifelong friendships. He remained an active participant in the George Dewey High School Alumni Association and attended reunions whenever possible. Marc was a Florida Gator season ticket holder, an avid fan and loved attending games with his favorite group of Gator friends. His interests included sports, biographies, history and politics, the Beatles and Formula One racing.

Sadly, as his health deteriorated, Marc pulled away from friends and extended family and became a bit of a recluse. But please know he loved you and often told us stories about the fun times you shared. As we’ve started going through his things, we’ve found so many, many fun and proud memories - pictures, notes, cards, drawings, videos and keepsakes - that kept you alive and near in his heart. First time ever I’ve been glad he was such a pack rat.

Most of all Marc loved being a Husband, Daddy and a Papa and giving “hugs, kisses, caresses and lovings of the world”. He had multiple nicknames for the kids and grandkids which will keep him in the forefront of our minds as we continue to use them in our daily lives. I hope they will not be too embarrassed that I include one of each of theirs below.

Marc is loved and survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy Lynn Campbell Sapitan and his four children and six grandchildren. Stacy Michelle (Mishovante) Hildreth, her husband Christian (Chrisser), grandchildren Joshua (#1), Matthew (Maffoo), and Isabel (IsaBAYa); Trisha Olivia (Bully) Carver, fiance’ David Francis, grandson Aiden Carver (Gator Aiden); Robert Edward Sapitan (Pupster); Kristi Kathleen Sapitan (P.L.ish}, grandchildren Olivia (SheShoo) and Silas (BoysBoys) Mancheno. Plus “Why didn’t we get a dog sooner?” Timmy Tebow (Knucklehead).

He is also loved and by survived by his sisters Dalisay Burton (Andrew), Denise Mann and brother Ricardo Sapitan, along with his niece and nephews and their families: Lelanie Latasaweicz (Craig), Damian Burton, Eric Seiler (Jillian), Jesse Sapitan and many extended family members across the country.

We feel deep sorrow and pain from Marc’s passing but are grateful he is no longer suffering and feel such peace knowing he is with the Lord and been reunited with family and friends who beat him to heaven. God Bless!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com for the Sapitan family.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.