Gregory Andrew Santos

Gregory was born November 17th, 1953 in Galveston, Texas. As a child he was raised by not only his parents, but his Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles. They all loved their “Goyito,” very much. He spent most of his adolescent years in San Pedro, California and graduated from San Pedro High School in 1972. After working a few odd jobs which included Jack in the Box, and a Tuna Fishing Boat that allowed him to travel the seas and visit Africa among other places. He returned to Alvin, Texas to attend his Aunt Clara’s Wedding. It was there he met and later married, Yolanda Saldana, the love of his life, on November 2, 1974.

At that time, he worked in the Oil Fields for Hermann Lease Service to provide for his new wife, and on March 1st, 1975 they welcomed their first child, Kathryn. They continued living in Alvin, Texas before making the decision to move back to California in 1976, initially in San Pedro, and later becoming a long-term resident of Long Beach, CA.

During this time, he worked at The Pan-Pacific Can Plant on Terminal Island. He later became a Mail Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, Downtown Long Beach Branch, where he retired in 2009, after 29 years of service. Over those years, he and Yolanda had 3 more children: Gregory on January 3rd, 1977, Geraldo July 22nd, 1982, and Krystle July 14th, 1989, in addition to supporting his community by Volunteer Coaching and Leadership of Long Beach and Lakewood Youth. He was a member of various organizations such as: Los Altos Little League, West Long Beach Little League, Lakewood Little League, Long Beach Pop Warner, Lakewood Pop Warner, Little League District 38 Board Member, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and a parishioner of St. Athanasius Church- Long Beach.

Gregory, was not only a hard-working and loyal son, brother, husband, father and grandpa, but he was a great friend to all who were lucky enough to meet him. A constant joker, with a smile that could (and would) light up any room. An infectious laugh, and quick wit who never cared about being “PC,” because he always said exactly what he was thinking. An avid baseball and football fan, lover of movies: especially the Star Wars Trilogy, Excalibur, Goonies, Tombstone, The Sandlot and WW2 Marathons on Memorial Day. He enjoyed Cartoons, WWF Wrestling (later known as WWE), History and the National Geographic Channel. He really loved Mom’s Fried Chicken and homemade Flour Tortillas, Popcorn, Pizza, Watermelon and over-baked Chocolate-Chip Cookies. He had impeccable taste in music that spanned various genres, but his favorites were Classic and 80’s Rock thanks to bands such as Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He played a mean Air-Guitar and was an even more amazing Air-Drummer, partially because he played the Drums in High School. He was the creator of what we would all later call, “Greg-isms,” the crazy little sayings or expressions that were distinctly his. He had a love for life, and all the people that were involved in any part of it over his 62 years and 10 months.

He wasn’t a quitter, a valuable lesson he taught to all the kids he coached, but due to his declining health was instructed by his Doctor to retire from what he loved most: Baseball and Football. He was a fighter until his last breath. You will forever be in our hearts, Coach Santos.

Survived by:

Wife- Yolanda Santos

Children- Kathryn Yvette Santos-Herrera, Gregory Andrew Santos II, Geraldo Raymond Santos, Krystle Yvonne Torres

Son-in-Laws- Frank Herrera, Brian Torres

Grandchildren- Gregory Andrew Santos III, Franqui Danyelle Herrera, Pebbles Neitha April Santos, Reymond Gregory Andrew Santos, Nellie Dolores Santos, Darlene Amber Marie Santos, Dezaray Alexis Michelle Santos, Damian Aaron Manuel Santos, and Angelena Santos.

Siblings- Anthony Santos, Joe Santos, Sandra Santos-Pena, James Santos, Michael Santos, Rocio Case

Mother- Jerrie Case, Step-Father- Gerald E. Case, Step-Mother- Amelia Santos

Predeceased by: Father- Robert Reyes Santos, Brother- Martin Santos