Arturo Nery Santos

Born in Santa Barbara Pangasinan, Philippines on April 15, 1934. Art is survived by his daughter Wilma Leftin (Michael) of Towaco, New Jersey, son Eugene Santos (Klare) of Poway, California, three grandchildren Joshua Leftin, Jennica Leftin, Katheryn Rios-Santos, his sister Esther Calimlin of Santa Barbara Pangasinan, Philippines and his caring companion of ten years Norma Rivera. He is preceded in death by his wife Nina Vinluan Santos of Dagupan City, Philippines and brother Jose Santos of Santa Barbara Pangasinan, Philippines.

Art’s dream was to be in the medical field and he attended two years of Pre-Med at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines before making the ultimate decision to join the United States Navy in October of 1954. In 1960, he was designated as a Hospital Corpsman and served with distinction during his tours in Vietnam. In 1971, Art and Nina purchased a home and the family settled in San Diego. He retired in 1978 as a Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer serving 24 years of honorable Naval service.

Art continued his career in the medical field when he was hired at Navy Medical Regional Center (Balboa Hospital) in San Diego, California as a Pharmacy Logistics Specialist. During his 32-year tenure working at the Pharmacy he made many friends, was a father figure and mentor to many co-workers and sailors.

Art was a loving father and grandfather. He traveled to ceremonies, birthday parties, graduations, family get togethers for his children, grandchildren and friends. His weekend passion was to meet his "thoroughbred classmates" at Surfside Race Place or Where the Turf meets the Surf at Del Mar. His kindness and to generosity to help others reached beyond family members. An Uncle that will be missed by many, he was a model of persistency helping his two nieces Juvy, Tima and nephew Rolando Jr presenting them with the opportunity to immigrate and become successful in the United States. Art dedicated many years to the Santa Barbara Pangasinan Association and the Dagupan City Club keeping in close contact with many of his townmates. In addition, Art fulfilled his dream with his closest friend and townmate Manoling Calimquim and a selected group of others to coordinate a Medical Mission and a Rice/Food distribution to the poorest families in his home town in Santa Barbara Pangasinan.

We will miss our “Pa” dearly, from his sense of humor, laugh and lessons he continued to teach us in life. He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren Joshy, Jen and Katie who “Pa” loved spending time with.

Visitation will be held on January 9, 2021 at 9:00 am at El Camino Memorial, Chapel of the Bells (outdoors, follow colored arrows designated for "Santos" when entering) - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA. Funeral Service will be held on January 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA. Graveside Service will be held on January 9, 2021 at 12:00 pm at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA.