Mr. Samuel "Sam" Santiago

July 1, 1987 - February 16, 2022

UTICA – Mr. Samuel “Sam” Santiago, age 34, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, in the comfort and dignity of his home. Born in Utica on July 1, 1987, to Alejandro Santiago and Providence (DiGeorge) Vega, Sam would remain local throughout the duration of his life. He graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 2006. Sam then went on to further his studies at SUNY Utica. At one time, Sam shared a relationship with Ashley Ellsworth, and to that relationship came the blessing of two children. Then, on August 24, 2019, Sam married Deanna Locorini, with whom he would go on to share the blessing of adding two more children to the family. Sam was a wonderful father who took his role incredibly seriously, even choosing to be a Stay-at-Home-Dad so as to be actively involved in caring for, nurturing, and raising his children – he delighted in his children and loved spending time with them. When Sam was not home with his children, he was taking advantage of varying employment opportunities in order to provide for them. He held a position at Remington Arms as an Assembler before he shifted into a role with Hertz Car Rental Co. Additionally, Sam took on a number of odd jobs working construction. Sam was known for his willingness to do what was needed, and help where he could. Those who knew Sam knew how reliable he was; when he gave his word to do something, Sam followed through on it. Moreover, Sam was honest and faithful. He was a loving son to his parents and was loved by all those he met. Sam was also very smart, even though he quite humble about that fact. Sam loved the outdoors and took any chance he could to go camping, hunting, fishing, or hiking. An adventurous spirit, Sam was always up for anything when it took place outside. A man of faith, Sam attended Lighthouse Baptist Church. Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna; his father, Alejandro and his wife Janette; his mother, Providence and her husband Joaquin; his cherished daughters, Maria, Corina, and Lilah; and his treasured sons, Greyson, and Samuel J. Santiago. Sam leaves behind his siblings, Jacquelyn Santiago and Mike O’Brien; Alexandra and Jeffrey Tebo; and Yolanda and Dr. Julio DeJesus. Sam will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as his aunts and uncles, including: Santia-Sierra Velazquez, Carmen M. Santiago, Felicita Santiago, Margarita Santiago, Andrea Santiago and Felix Roman, Virgenmina “Tata” and Napolean Rivera, Israel Santiago, Rene Santiago, and Venerada “Venny” Santiago; and great-aunts and great-uncles. Sam will live on in the hearts of his mother-in-law, Teri Hagen, and his father-in-law, Jim Locorini and his wife Jen. Sam also leaves behind his in-laws, Jaime Locorini, Matthew Hagan, and Lindsey Hagan. Sam shared in many treasured friendships, including Tom “Tommy” Titus and Nathan “Nate” Pratt. He also leaves his family friend, Virginia Beauvais. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Felix Santiago and Dolores (Velasquez) Colon; maternal grandparents, John Sr. and Mary DiGeorge; maternal step-grandmother, Jeanne M. Teeps; and his father-in-law, Kris Hagen. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Utica Police Department for their valiant efforts, especially acknowledging Officer Shannon Cinque. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 701 Kossuth Avenue. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Sam’s Funeral Services and Celebration of Life, which will commence immediately upon conclusion of visitation at noon. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.