Jose Augusto Santiago, Jr.

Jose Augusto Santiago Jr., 83, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, passed away on November 17, 2024 in Miami, Florida. Born on August 18, 1941 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico he was the first child of loving parents Jose "Pepito" and Amelia Santiago. He was a devoted husband to Maria L. Santiago for 54 years and loving father to Jose M. and Gabriel Santiago.

Jose lived as a child in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico until 1951 when his family immigrated to Miami, Florida. Jose attended Robert E. Lee Elementary and Miami Jackson High School.

Jose had one passion that consumed his life from his early days until his death and it was the game of baseball. As a teenager Jose would ride his bicycle to nearby Miami Stadium to watch The Miami Marlins AAA team games. Jose would eventually work as a bat boy for the team. After high school, Jose eventually played minor league baseball for the Baltimore Orioles organization. Jose returned to Miami and became a trainer for the Miami Marlins. His love of baseball continued and after his two sons were of age to play, he began coaching. Coach Santiago, as he was known, was a staple at Tom J. Harris Field in Homestead, Florida. He would carry around his trademark fungo bat and would run his practices as if he was coaching a major league team. Former players of his still comment on how he influenced their lives. In his later years he was a frequent attendee at Clover Park in Port Saint Lucie, Florida which is the spring training site of the New York Mets.

In March of 1966, Jose was drafted by the United States Army and served honorably until March of 1972. Jose served in Germany and Vietnam. While serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Vietnam he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with " Device for heroism and valor. Jose finished his military career as a Drill Sergeant in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After his military career, Jose became a member of the Hill 411 Association who met biannually to share stories and memories.

After the military, Jose worked for the United States Postal Service for 29 years. While working for the USPS, Jose enrolled in Miami Dade College where he received an Associates Degree in Criminology.

Jose had an incredible work ethic and always provided for his family. Jose was always there as a devoted husband and father and was a great role model to his sons. Jose will be remembered for his humor, love of family and love of baseball. Jose is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and soldiers with whom he served.

Jose was preceded in death by his parents, Jose "Pepito" and Amelia Santiago as well as his siblings Luis Santiago and Arnaldo Santiago.

Jose is survived by his wife Maria L. Santiago; sons Jose M. Santiago (Nelida), and Gabriel Santiago (Rosa); his grandchildren Anthony, Sophia, Adrian, and Justin; sister Rosaura Burgos; as well as nieces and many cousins.