Christopher D. De Santiago

Christopher D. Desantiago, age 43, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023 in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Chris was born on May 23, 1979 in San Antonio, where he grew up and attended Harlandale High School (Class of 1998). Upon graduating high school, Chris enlisted in the United States Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, where he served for 13 years (1998 – 2011) and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). Chris attended basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL and received aviation maintenance training at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, FL. In the years that followed, Chris was stationed at Naval Air Weapons Station-China Lake, CA, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15)-Corpus Christi, TX, Recruit Training Command-Great Lakes, IL, and Strike Fighter Squadron One Hundred and Forty-Six (VFA-146)-Lemoore, CA. Chris served proudly in the U.S. Navy and loved every minute of it. He traveled the world, becoming a subject matter expert on some of the military’s finest aircraft and completed several deployments out at sea on multiple classes of modern Navy warships. Chris was highly sought after and respected for his technical and leadership abilities; he accumulated a wide array of professional qualifications and military awards in his 13 years of service. He firmly believed in teamwork, maintaining a strong work ethic, and furthering his education; as well as always lending a helping hand to fellow servicemembers, friends, and family alike. Upon completion of his naval service, Chris returned to his hometown of San Antonio, TX where he worked in the aviation and defense industry as an Aircraft Mechanic and later as a Technical Training Instructor for the United States Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base. Christopher truly valued being an instructor and thoroughly enjoyed teaching and working with others. He had a strong knack to learn quickly, master a subject, and go out of his way to help others become proficient in their trade – the perfect instructor! During his professional career, he attended Columbia College, where he earned Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in General Studies (2009 and 2012, respectively). Chris continued to further his education by attending graduate school at the University of Phoenix, attaining a Master’s in Business Administration (2014) and a Master’s in Adult Education and Training (2015). Beyond the service to his country and professional accolades, Christopher enjoyed making memories, traveling, and spending time with his wife Stephanie. Above all else, Chris always held and cherished his family to the highest regard and considered his children to be his greatest accomplishments.Christopher is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie Desantiago; sons, Christopher, Benjamin, and Samuel; and daughters, Isabella and Evelyn; along with countless friends and loved ones whose lives were forever touched by him.The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARYTHURSDAY, JUNE 1, 20237:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST

MASSFRIDAY, JUNE 2, 202311:30 AMST HELENA CATHOLIC CHURCH14714 EDGEMONT ST

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.