Thomas Richard Santos

Thomas Richard Santos

February 20, 1943 – November 27, 2025

Thomas Richard Santos, a lifelong resident of Livingston, California, passed away on November 27, 2025, as the result of a vehicle accident. He was 82 years old.

Tom was born on February 20, 1943, to Tony and Mary Santos and was raised in Livingston, where his roots ran deep. He graduated from Livingston High School in 1962 and remained devoted to his hometown for his entire life. A familiar face around town and a regular in the places he frequented, Tom was someone just about everyone knew. Livingston was not just where he lived, it was who he was. He also served for a time in the National Guard, an experience that reflected his quiet sense of duty and responsibility.

Farming was not just Tom's occupation, it was his calling. He had been a sweet potato farmer since he was old enough to drive a tractor and dedicated his life to agriculture. He took great pride in the land, the work, and the honest lifestyle that came with being a farmer. In addition to farming, Tom was a skilled and dedicated mechanic. He loved working with his hands and could often be found repairing, maintaining, or improving equipment. Farm equipment was his favorite to work on, and he took deep satisfaction in keeping things running properly through patience, knowledge, and hard work. Tom valued routine, doing things the right way, and found contentment in a life built on those principles.

In 1980, Tom married the love of his life, Karen Santos, in Lake Tahoe. Together they built a life centered on family, commitment, and shared values. Tom was a devoted father to his son, Richard Santos, and lovingly took in his stepdaughter, Stephanie Berlier, as one of his own. Tom and Karen also cherished their time together traveling to the coast, especially Monterey and Santa Cruz, where they enjoyed the slower pace, the ocean air, and simply being side by side away from the demands of daily life.

Outside of farming, Tom had a deep and lifelong passion for firearms. He was a true gun enthusiast who took great pride in his collection, his knowledge, and the responsibility that came with it. He spent countless hours at the shooting range and loved hunting, especially his trips to Colorado. These pursuits brought him peace, focus, and camaraderie, and were among the things he enjoyed most in life.

Tom is survived by his sister, Marlene Hicks; his son, Richard (Faithel) Santos; his stepdaughter, Stephanie Berlier; his grandchildren, Skyler and Pepper Santos, Justin (Megan) Bruecker, Trevor (Vanessa) Staats; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Brynn, Logan, Benji, Blaire, and Brayden.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen Santos, and his parents, Tony and Mary Santos.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the VFW Hall, located at 1605 7th Street in Livingston, California. Family and friends are invited to gather, share a meal, and exchange stories in remembrance of a man who was known by many, lived simply, worked hard, served faithfully, and remained deeply rooted in his community, his passions, and his family.