Stephen "Steve" Santa Ana

Stephen "Steve" Santa Ana, age 67 of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away surrounded by his family on September 25, 2025.

Born November 9, 1957 to Sam Salas Santa Ana and Maria Manuela (Nellie) Avila Santa Ana in Austin, Texas, Steve was the middle child of a large, military family. Steve graduated from Nuremberg American High School in 1975 while his father was stationed with the U.S. Army in Germany. He attended Texas A&M University, joined the Corps of Cadets, and graduated in 1979 with a degree in Biology.

Steve was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1979. As an artillery officer, Steve enjoyed being outside, driving instead of walking, and sending rounds downrange. Steve and Megan married in 1987, becoming a family of three with her daughter, Elizabeth. Daughters Alexandra and Katherine joined the family in 1988 and 1990, respectively. Steve never tired of being the father of daughters.

Steve transitioned from active duty in 1991 and began his civilian career in biotechnology while continuing to serve as a reservist. Recalled to active duty in 2002 for Operation Iraqi Freedom 1, Steve deployed with the 1st Marine Division for the invasion of Iraq. Steve was released from active duty and subsequently retired in 2004 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Steve returned to his biotechnology civilian career and received his Masters in Business Administration from Webster University in 2006. He brought expertise and excellence to his employment first in the private sector in biotechnology and then as a biometrics contractor and federal employee at several federal agencies.

Retiring in 2022, Steve taught financial literacy classes, actively participated in his church and military ministry, and mentored veterans involved in the criminal justice system. He loved 1970's music, lighting fireworks, shooting off rockets, and entertaining toddlers by spinning his Aggie class ring for them. At home, he enjoyed growing flowers for Megan in his garden, building model airplanes, and nurturing wildlife that made its way into his backyard.

Steve is survived by his wife, Megan Santa Ana, and their three daughters, Elizabeth Sanford, Alexandra Stocker, and Katherine Santa Ana. He was a very proud and beloved "Papa" to eight wonderful grandchildren: Burroughs, Clementine, Atticus, Rocky, Eva, Ruby, Jack, and Felix.

Steve is also survived by his mother, Nellie Santa Ana, his brothers David, Albert, and Peter Santa Ana, and his sisters Carol Byrne, Mary Stella Santa Ana-Twidwell, Diana Santa Ana, Clara Thomas, and Sarah Peña. Stephen is predeceased by his father, Sam Salas Santa Ana.

Please join us in remembering and celebrating Steve:

October 9, 2025

Funeral Service, 10:00am

First Baptist Church of Woodbridge

13600 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia

Internment, 1:00pm

National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico

18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, Virginia

Reception, 2:00pm

Full Distance Brewing

650 Corporate Drive #101, Stafford, Virginia