Jose A. Santiago

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Jose A. Santiago

A law enforcement officer and long-time community volunteer, died Friday evening in San Jose. He was 57. He died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital after a long battle with liver cancer, surrounded by his family and many friends.Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, May 13, 1949, to Monserrate Santiago Valdez and Julio Rodriguez Santiago, Jose was raised in Lakewood, New Jersey.After serving in the U.S. Army as a military police officer, Jose settled in the Bay Area and began a long career in law enforcement, first with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and later the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. During his time at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office he was commended for bravery and was well known for his self-depreciating humor and easy-going style. In 1994 Jose was promoted to Lieutenant at the Santa Clara County Department of Corrections. He retired in December of 2004.In addition to his dedication as a law enforcement officer, Jose was a committed community volunteer. He served on several boards, including the National Latino Peace Officers Association, Los Lupenos de San Jose Dance Company, and the Exchange Club of San Jose, Blue and Gold Award Committee. In 1998 Jose was recognized for his community service by channel 11 news, receiving the Spirit of Excellence award during Hispanic Heritage Month.In retirement, Jose pursued his love of medieval history, starting a Masters Program at San Jose State University and becoming a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society.Jose is survived by his loving wife, Burga Santiago; brother and sister-in-law, Julio and Nettie Santiago of Whiting, New Jersey; sons Julio (April) of Hollister, Joshua (Beverly) of San Jose, Joseph and Jeremiah both of Sacramento; his step-children, Susan and Douglas Taylor of Gilroy, Andrew and Deede Collins of San Jose, John Collins of San Jose, and Michael and Stephanie Mitzenmacher of Lexington, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Danielle, Sarah, Alex, Anna, Cole, Zachary, Amelia, Conner, Michaela, and Jacqueline; and great-grandson Cody Michael.Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 23, from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m., both at the LIMA FAMILY ERICKSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 710 Willow Street in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Phi Alpha Theta, The National History Honor Society SJSU, DMH, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0117.