Erico "Eric" Rivera Santiago

Erico “Eric” Rivera Santiago, 71, of Loves Park, Illinois, passed away on May 15, 2026. Eric was born on January 20, 1955, to Justa Santiago and Jose Rivera in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. He was particularly close with his mother, and we as a family find peace that they are finally reunited. At the age of 5, Eric and his family relocated to New York, and he graduated from Cornwall High School. It was then he found his calling in fitness, joining the Men’s Gymnastic Team. He looked forward to competing in the Ring Routine and Parallel Bars. In May of 1982, Eric pursed a longtime calling to join the United States Military, serving his country proudly in the Army. After his honorable discharge, he jumped back into fitness and found his true passion in body building. He was a member of Champions Gym in Rockford, also aiding as a Personal Trainer, as well as Asylum Gym. His ingenuity and versatility for the machines were out of this world, as well as his knowledge of nutrition and supplements. He looked forward to body building shows, competing in an average of 2-4 per year in the Midwest annually.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years on June 9, Verna Santiago; children, Joseline Rivera, Carmen (Joel) Rodriguez, Mirel (William) Toohey, Anthony Stelmaszek, and Ian Stelmaszek; fur-baby Chihuahua, Butters; grandchildren, Soaneshly (Carlos) Robles, Kati Roman, Brian Roman, Widelys Maldanado, Erik Romar Rivera, Yari Diaz, Axel Diaz, Michaela Toohey, Alexia Jones, and Lillith Stelmaszek; many great-grandchildren; brother, Juan (Carmenluz) Rivera; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Justa Santiago and Jose Rivera; siblings, Obdulio Rivera Santiago, Benjamin Rivera Santiago, Filiberto Rivera Santiago, Francisca Gonzalez, Beridiana Lopez, Frolian Rivera Santiago, Jose Rivera Santiago, and Maria Machado.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on May 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by a Time of Sharing from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Military Honors and Inurnment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens on May 29, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.