Reinaldo Q. Santiago

Reinaldo was Born and partially raised in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico before he moved to New York City around the age of 13. He spent much of his young adult life living in Manhattan and Bronx, NY. By age 20, he became a father and went on to have six children in total.

Later in his adulthood, he moved to Massachusetts. He worked in a restaurant where he met his wife by the early 1990s respectively. They welcomed one daughter, in 1994 and married on February 14, 1998. Both with adult children from previous marriages, together they shared a beautiful, blended family.

Growing up, Reinaldo was naturally athletic, involved in local softball and bowling teams even into his adulthood. Of course, what he is most known for was his appreciation for his favorite sport, baseball.

As he got older his love for the simpler things in life surfaced more. His gentle spirit calmed anyone who entered his orbit, even pets. But one thing that remained consistent was the love he had for his family and friends.

He expressed such gratitude for life. His spirit will live on within those of us whose lives he touched because love never dies. Though he never wanted to cause anyone any pain, his departure has left us with a true sense of loss. He will be deeply missed.

Poem Title: I am Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path. God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that piece at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remember joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I saved much, good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, he set me free.