Santiago Alfredo Santistevan

SANTIAGO ALFREDO SANTISTEVAN, age 88, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018, surrounded by loved ones.

Santiago was preceded in death by his mother, Carmelita Vigil-Santistevan; son, Alfredo Robert Santistevan; grandson, Christopher Santistevan, father-in-law, Regino Valerio; mother-in-law, Epifinia Valerio; nephews, Levy Martinez and Christopher Romero.

Santiago was born in Taos, NM, to Carmelita Vigil-Santistevan on September 29, 1929. He married the love of his life, Nora, on September 19, 1951, in which they had three beautiful children together; Alfredo, Larry and Shirley.

At a young age Santiago joined the United States Army. He served as a medical specialist/combat medic in various assignments both stateside and overseas, which included the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/4 oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Stars and other citations for his meritorious service. His devotion to duty, loyalty, and meticulous attention to detail reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning), and the United States Army. Santiago retired with 20 years of military service with the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7). Upon retirement from the United States Army, he transitioned to the civilian sector working with the United States Postal Service for twenty-one years. His total combined service to his country exceeded 41 years of service. Santiago was a true patriot.

He enjoyed gardening, especially his rose bushes and vegetable garden.  He treasured the times he was surrounded by family and friends so he could offer you a drink and start up the grill to barbecue.   Grandpa’s famous chicarrones were always a treat for his grandchildren and others.

Santiago’s devotion and love for his family was remarkable and exemplary. He was the most patient, loving, caring and giving, husband, father, grandfather, brother, tio and friend you could ask for. He always had a positive outlook, saw the light at the end of any tunnel, never spoke ill of anyone or any situation and he loved with everything he had.  Grandpa was as close as you can get to perfect.

In his passing, Santiago leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Nora Santistevan; his children, son, Larry Santistevan, wife, Marianne; daughter, Shirley Geller, husband, Jeff; and Alfredo’s wife, Diane Naranjo; granddaughter, Eliza Martinez, husband, Everett; grandsons, Allen Geller, wife, Celina, Brandon Geller, and Patrick Santistevan; great-grandchildren, Ayesha and Kenny, Martin, Lucia, and Noah; great-great-grandchildren, Kayden and Kylie; his beloved sister, Benita Martinez; her children, Rubina Quinto, Diana Maestas, and Carmelita Shields as well as many other nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and relatives from the Santistevan and Valerio families that Santiago loved and adored. Santiago will also be missed by his faithful canine companion, Sophia.

A public viewing will be Tuesday, October 2, 2018, from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., at the Shrine of Saint Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM. Rosary will be recited at 8:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM at 12:45 p.m.