Mr. Danny Santiago

UTICA - Mr. Danny Santiago, age 58, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on January 8, 1959, Danny was the son of Carmen M. Maldonado and the late Ramiro Santiago. He was raised in Coamo, Puerto Rico and was a graduate of Coamo High School. On October 20, 1979 he married the former Hilda Irizarry with whom he shared 37 years in a union blessed with true love and devotion to one another and to family. They were inseparable. Danny worked as a Supervisor of Maintenance at the Mid-State Correctional Facility for 33 years, the position from which he retired. Danny lived for his family and he was always there for them. He loved his boys and enjoyed playing sports with them and attending their athletic events. He was honest and open, and he spoke his heart. He offered his advice which always turned out to be right. He was the #1 Handyman for anyone who needed repairs. Danny was loved by many. His leisure pursuits included gardening and tending to his own garden of which he was very proud, taking trips to the casino with Hilda, riding his Can Am Spyder motorcycle, and fishing at Sandy Pond. He loved babysitting for his grandchildren, D’Marco, Daniel Jr., and Arielle even though they bossed him around —- because he loved having them around. Danny was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Danny is survived by his wife, Hilda; his sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel A. Santiago, Sr. and Dora Colon, Arnaldo R. Santiago, and Nicolas and Patti-Anne Santiago, all of Utica; his grandchildren, Daniel “Boobie” Santiago Jr., D’Marco Santiago; and Arielle Linda Santiago; his mother, Carmen M. Maldonado; and father-in-law, Nicolas Irizarry. He also leaves his sisters, Janet, Elsa, Eileen, Gisela, Jessica, Bernadette, and Ivette; his brothers, Michel, Manuel, Ramiro, and Ray; cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, special friends, especially his cousin, Michael Chaparro, who he was with on a daily basis; and his canine companions, Cash, and Minnie. He also cherished the memory of his canine companion Rocky. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Leonor Irizarry; and his sister-in-law, Linda M. Irizarry-Kimball. The family extends their appreciation to the staff of the ICU at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their care and compassion; and the Utica Fire Department/Rescue One for their valiant efforts. The family will honor and commemorate Danny’s life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Danny’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. John Buehler. By family request, please omit floral arrangements. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass.

Mr. Danny Santiago

January 8, 1959 - May 23, 2017