Gene Arthur Santos

Gene Arthur Santos, age 75, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025. Born on the Fourth of July 1950, in Pontiac, Michigan, Gene was the beloved son of Nicholas "Tony" and Beatrice (Casanova) Santos. From an early age, he carried within him a spirit of independence, generosity, and strength-qualities that would define his life and the love he shared with those around him.

A proud United States Army veteran, Gene served his country with honor and humility. His sense of duty and dedication to service extended far beyond his military years; Gene was the kind of man who never hesitated to show up for others. Whether a neighbor, friend, or family member, anyone who reached out for help found in Gene a steady and willing hand.

Gene found joy in outside with fresh air and the quiet beauty of nature. He loved staying active, you could always find him outside cleaning up the neighborhood. Gene was very dedicated purchasing scratch off lottery tickets and was always playing his numbers, he definitely had a long-standing hobby of "donating to the lottery." His humor, warmth, and easy laugh were as much a part of him as his boundless generosity.

Gene's greatest pride and deepest devotion was always his family. He was a loving husband to Gloria Santos, with whom he shared a lifetime of partnership for 53 years with an unwavering love, affection and devotion. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and memories that will be cherished forever.

He was a dedicated father to Christina Santos and Gene Santos II, both of whom inherited his kindness, resilience, and fierce loyalty. To his grandchildren, Nico Lizardi, Tatiana Santos, Dimitri Santos, Giovanni Santos, and Isabella Santos, Gene was a tentative, doting, and endlessly supportive grandfather. His gentle guidance and warm presence will remain with them always.

Gene is also survived by his loving siblings: Rick Santos, Henrietta Fors, Gloria Thompson, Rita Santos, Olga Hack, and Dan Santos. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews with whom he loved very much. Each of them held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his childhood friend since kindergarten Jerry Dunn, I'm sure they are both up there in heaven enjoying their coffee and pancakes.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11th at Coats Funeral Home – Waterford from 4–8 p.m. A memorial service will take place on Friday, December 12th at 12 p.m. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Gene's life was marked not by grand gestures, but by the everyday kindnesses, selfless acts, and steadfast love he showed to everyone he knew. He leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and family devotion, a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

May he rest in eternal peace.