JOSE "NICK" SANTANA

SANTANA, JOSE "NICK" - born June 1, 1949 in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, was tragically taken from his family on August 2, 2013. Nick was a graduate of Oakcrest High School and ACC with an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement. He enlisted in the Navy in 1968 and married his wife, Linda before leaving for boot camp. Nick and Linda just celebrated their 44th Anniversary on July 27 in Niagara Falls. Nick worked in the trades out of Local 415 building the casinos from the ground up. He worked at the Atlantic County Sheriff's Department for several years before leaving to work at Caesar's in Security. Nick's most recent employment for the last 18 years was at Richard Stockton College as a union painter. Nick was a Union man, as President of the PBA and President of his local chapter at Stockton. He always looked at the other guy's rights and made sure their needs were met on the job. He was a past member of Rolling Thunder and rode presently with the Legion Riders group. He always worked for the rights of others and paying respect to our fallen heroes and those who have returned safely. He was a football and baseball coach for the MLAA, and most recently had the honor of coaching his grandson's T-ball team. He will be missed for his smile and devilish dimples, his haunted houses every Halloween, and playing Santa for everyone who asked. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather; a great friend, father, Dad, Pop and Papi to all who knew him especially his son's and daughter's friends. He will be deeply missed by his four grandsons. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Linda; children: Nicholas (Kellie), Steven, and Martina; grandchildren: Meghan, Kaylyn (Anthony), Sidnee, Leilin, Slayton, Brexton, and Keagan; Mother Milagros; brothers: Edgar (Sharon), Carlos (Kathleen); sister-in-law Carol (David); brothers-in-law Roy, John (Ann); nieces: Lauren, Allyson, Keri, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Logan; and nephews: Eric and Ian. A viewing will be held on Monday, August 12, 2013 from 3-6 PM, at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main St., Mays Landing, where reflections will be held at 6 PM. One last ride for Pop - two wheels or four wheels All friends and family are invited to line up starting on August 17, at 10 AM on Pinehurst Drive. Procession leaving at 10:30 AM for the ceremony at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to "Love for Nick" c/o Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main St., Mays Landing, NJ 08330. (Info and condolences: www. boakesfuneralhome.com)

This obituary was originally published in The Press of Atlantic City.