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BORN
1945
DIED
2024
DANIEL SANTILLAN Obituary
Sept. 25, 1945 Jan. 31, 2024
Daniel (Danny) Ocampo Santillan, 78, of Calexico, CA passed away on January 31, 2024. He was born in a farmworker's labor camp in Merced, CA. Danny was a 1964 graduate of Brawley Union High School. He joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968. Danny was the co-founder and first chair of the United Mexican American Students (UMAS) at IVC in 1969. He worked at the Imperial Valley Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC), California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA), and Calexico Unified School District. Danny served on the Salvation Army Housing Board, Calexico Recreation Advisory Committee, Imperial Valley Grand Jury, Mexican Consulate Amigos Program, and the Democratic Committee of Imperial Valley. He was a member of the Brawley American Citizens Club, Hidalgo Society of Brawley, MAPA of Imperial Valley, and the Calexico American Legion. A long-time supporter and union organizer for the United Farm Workers Union, he marched with Cesar Chavez, Jessie Jackson, Coretta Scott King, and the Rev. Al Sharpton for farmworker civil rights. Danny was very proud of his sports organization work with Calexico Youth Basketball league, Team MEX-USA, and the Mexico Junior Olympics.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Ruth Mares Santillan; daughter, Melissa Santillan; son, Rene Santillan; parents, John Santillan and Lydia Ocampo; and brother, Richard Santillan.
He is survived by his brother, Bobby Santillan; children, Daniel Santillan Jr., Rachel Santillan-Wise, Juan Carlos Santillan (from his marriage to Alma Short), Sergio Santillan (mother, Ruth Mares), and Cynthia Santillan-Robinson; numerous grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Danny was proud of all his family and loved them very much.
There will be a Memorial Service held at the ACC Hall in Brawley, CA on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11 AM. Private burial rites with immediate family will be conducted at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro, CA. May he rest in peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL SANTILLAN
Joyce Morita
June 2, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the family of Danny Santillan. I became acquainted with Danny when he attended Central Union High School, class of 1964. My brother, Dennis Morita would tell me about Danny's activism. I will always recall his sincerity in our conversations from high school days. Little did I know of his outstanding achievements in what he cared deeply about. At a high school reunion, he did not talk about himself. So it was only when I learned of his passing did I truly learn about his life's work. I was honored to know Danny during our time at CUHS. I am grateful to have known him. Warmly, Joyce Morita
Jacinto Cruz Jimenez
March 5, 2024
my condolences to Danny's Family. He loved basketball. We played together and on opposite teams during P.E. at Wilson Junior Hight in El Centro, Ca. in 58-59. He played center, but his moves were on the base line beneath the basket. g
Good memories growing up in El Centro. JCJ
Carmen
February 29, 2024
I m sad to hear about my dear friend Danny. May he rest in peace. Him and go way back in the 60. I work with him in several programs n was a great guy. He will be miss, n I will miss u too Danny.
Carmen Hernandez
February 28, 2024
Danny was a great friend. I work with him at various places. Loved basketball n his Chicanos brothers n sisters. He will not be forgotten. Thank u Danny for being there when I needed u the most. Thank you! N may God be with u.
Norma Sierra Galindo
February 27, 2024
The Universe gave us only one Danny Santillan aka Chiquilin, aka Sandia, and aka Raza. What an honor to have known him.
Respectfully,
Norma Sierra Galindo
Anita Fajardo Miller
February 26, 2024
My Deepest Condolences to the Daniel Santillan Family.
Carl Arterberry
February 25, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May you Rest In Peace my friend.
Kenny Arterberry
Rick Johnson
February 25, 2024
Very sorry to learn about Danny' passing. R.I.P.
Josie Gonzales Guillen
February 24, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Liz Gonzalez
February 24, 2024
Will miss his commentaries and political action, and his participation in Salvation Army Board meetings and events. May you rest in peace in company of your beloved Ruth. RAZA!
Tommy Guerrero Meza
February 24, 2024
My condolences to The Santillan Family & Friends. Rest In Eternal Paradise Danny.
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