Henry Santamaria Jr.

Henry Santamaria, Jr., born April 28th, 1948 in El Paso, Texas passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Wednesday, February 2, 2022 in The Woodlands, Texas, after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer.

The third of nine children, born to his loving parents, Enrique and Helen Santamaria, Henry adored growing up with eight siblings and spending much of his childhood in Madrid, Spain. He cherished these memories and reveled in sharing them with his children and grandchildren.

Upon graduation from Madrid High School, where he played football and basketball, Henry returned to his Texas roots to attend St. Edward’s University in Austin, beginning his career in Lubbock with Levi Strauss, and afterwards, launching a successful career as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, first in El Paso, then in Houston, where he was a top producer with Grubb & Ellis and later opening his own commercial real estate brokerage, Patrick Henry Properties. In addition, he was extremely proud to be an owner of and beloved commercial real estate instructor at Champions School of Real Estate, founded by his adoring wife, Rita Santamaria, whom he loved with all his heart.

Henry had a passion for his community and a heart for serving others and this was evident throughout his career and personal life. One of his greatest professional honors was being appointed to the Texas Real Estate Commission by Governor Clements in 1989, a position that he proudly held until 1995. He was also honored to serve as the Treasurer of the Republican Party of Texas for six years, was a member of the Coronado Mason Lodge #1406 AF & AM of El Paso, where he served on the board of the historic and beautiful Scottish Rite Dormitory, located just north of campus of The University of Texas at Austin, and in 2017, was honored by Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Harris County for his dedication and commitment to their organization. He was an active member of The Woodlands Methodist Church and an avid golfer, belonging to both The Club at Carlton Woods and Bentwater Country Club where he made many wonderful friends, on and off the course, and was proud to have scored a hole-in-one at both locations! He also had a passion for travel and loved exploring the world with Rita, as well as collecting historical political buttons, amassing an impressive collection that his family will treasure forever.

He will be remembered as a loyal friend, who could often be found sitting quietly with those who were in the hospital or had suffered a loss, always ready to lend an ear, some laughter or an encouraging word, and as a man devoted to his family. He loved his wife, Rita, deeply, and his family will miss his thoughtfulness, support and guidance, as well as his sense of humor and inside jokes, tremendously.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Enrique and Helen Santamaria, and his beloved son, Michael Andrew Santamaria.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Rita, and their large, blended family of Steven Santamaria and his fiancée, Marissa; David Santamaria and wife, Laine; Kimberly Dydalewicz and husband, Kevin; and Kelly Shearer and husband, Rob. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Mac, Edythe, Annie and Arthur Santamaria; Kaden and Knox Dydalewicz; and Shelby, Jackson and Justin Shearer, as well as his siblings Sister Helen Santamaria; Kiki McAllister; Annie Slenker and husband, Bill; Ed Santamaria; Cece Neal and husband, Ray; Steve Santamaria and wife, Isha; Mary Cockrill and husband, Mike; Michael Santamaria and wife Marifer; as well as his many nieces and nephews. He loved each of them dearly and demonstrated it with immeasurable acts of love and kindness.

Henry will be missed beyond measure, but he was a man of strong faith, who faced his illness with courage and dignity. He accepted the plans the Lord had for him and his family takes comfort knowing that he is now wrapped in His loving arms and reunited with his precious son, Drew, whom he cherished.

For those desiring to make a donation in Henry’s memory, please consider El Paso Villa Maria, which provides transitional shelter for women in need, and was founded by Sister Helen Santamaria.

https://VillaMariaEP.square.site

A visitation for Henry will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Park - The Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 11, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380. A committal service will occur Friday, February 11, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Forest Park - The Woodlands Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the SANTAMARIA family.