Reyes Santos Martinez

We hold very dear to our hearts Reyes Santos Martinez, who passed away peacefully with family at his side on February 23, 2016. He gracefully fought a long battle with Parkinson's. He was a devoted and loving husband, an amazing father and family man, as well as an all-around caring and wonderful contributor to his community in Connecticut as well as in Puerto Rico, where he was born and raised. He is survived by his devoted wife Juanita Ortiz; they were married for sixty-four years and had ten children. He is pre-deceased by two daughters, Julia and Maria Antonia Santos and survived by his children, Carmen Santos, Maria Stoute, Gladys Santos, Reyes Jr. Santos, Norma Santos, Magdalena Santos, Juan Santos and Jose Santos. He was the proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and three step grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers and was predeceased by 7 other siblings. Reyes served honorably in the Army during the Korean War; was a hard working accomplished carpenter for most of his life and invested a great deal of time to his religious community, working for several years with Catholic Charities. He became an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church in 1978 and served faithfully both in Connecticut and in Puerto Rico for many years. Reyes was kind, gentle and a charming figure who was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but also an amazing and generous friend to all who knew him. He will be missed beyond words and remembered for his gentle spirit, sense of humor and thoughtful and supportive advice and words of wisdom. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 27th, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption 29 Adams Street South, Manchester followed by burial with military honors at East Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the The Michael J. Fox Foundation P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.