Juan W. Santamaria

Walter Santamaria passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 31, 2025 in Columbus, Georgia surrounded by three generations of his family.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lucia Santamaria.   Survivors include his three daughters, Wilma Santamaria de Romero (Luis Ricardo Romero ), Lucybeth Santamaria, and Lilly Pollock (Joseph J. Pollock). Grandchildren include Luis Ricardo Romero, Monica Patricia Romero, Lucia Stehanie Crastz, Jessica Pollock, Eric Pollock and Julie Pollock. Great grandchildren include Andres Arenas Romero.  

Walter was born in Puerto Armuelles, in the Chiriqui province of Panama. His career began as a translator for the School of the Americas in Fort Gulick in Panama, He was instrumental in moving the translation division to Fort Benning, GA from Panama and he retired being in charge of the translation division at Fort Benning, Ga.  He dedicated 58 years of his life to his career and loved his job.

Walter was devoted to his family, his love for life was contagious. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and eating.....especially strawberry ice cream. Pepsi-Cola was a dietary requirement!  Walter was the patriarch of our family and will be sorely missed.  His constant source of advice and guidance helped our family navigate life's many challenges.  At the center of his beliefs was an undying commitment to family.  He maintained a constant presence with all of us to include keeping a firm and loving reach all the way to Panama!  Simply put, we are the family we are today because of him. We will miss you Papi!! Godspeed!

A mass will be held at St. Anne Catholic church on Thursday, June 5th at 1:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church.

 Walter Santamaria falleciio pacificamente a la edad de 90 anos el dia 31 de mayo de 2025, en Columbus, Ga. rodeado de tres generaciones de su familia. Le precedio en la muerte, su amada esposa, Lucia Santamaria. Le sobreviven sus tres hijas, Wilma Santamaria de Romero (Luis Ricardo Romero), Lucybeth Santamaria y Lilly Pollock (Joseph J. Pollock), y sus nietos Luis Ricardo Romero, Monica Patricia Romero, Lucia Crastz, Jessica Pollock, Eric Pollock y Julie Pollock, su bisnieto Andres Arenas Romero.

Walter nacio en Puerto Armuelles, provincia de Chiriqui, Panama.  Su carrera inicio como traductor para la Escuela de las Americas en Fort Gulick, Panama.  Jugo un papel decisivo en el traslado de la division de traduccion en Fort Benning, Georgia.  Dedico 58 anos de su vida a su carrera y amo su trabajo.

Walter fue dedicado a su familia; su amor por la vida era contagioso.  Disfrutaba pescar, acampar, viajar y comer, especialmente  helado de fresa. Pepsi era un requisito dietetico! Walter fue el patriaraca de nuestra familia y lo extranaremos mucho. Su constante fuente de consejos y orientacion ayudo a nuestra familia a superar los muchos desafios de la vida. En el centro de sus creencias, estaba un compromiso inquebrantable con la familia. Mantuvo una presencia constante con todos nosotros, incluyendo mantener un alcance firme y amoroso hasta Panama. En pocas palabras, somos la familia que somos hoy gracias a el. Te extranaremos papi!!!!!