Heraclio "Tati" Santiago Obituary (1937

Springfield - Heraclio "Tati" Santiago, 83, departed this life on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Heraclio was born in Comerio, Puerto Rico, on June 10, 1937, to his parents, Heraclio Santiago-Torres and Margarita Riivera-Colon. Heraclio was predeceased by his parents, his Son: Wilson J. Santiago, Two Sisters: Carmen J. Hernandez and Maria A. Santiago and his Brother: Jose Antonio Santiago. Born in Comerio, Puerto Rico he traveled to New York and Florida as a young man. He then headed to Connecticut to work in the tobacco fields. In 1958, he moved to Springfield. After a couple of years, he landed a job as an inspector with the Massachusetts Department of Weights & Measure. He later became the first Hispanic Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Springfield Police Department. The Massachusetts House of Representatives recognized him for his achievements in Law Enforcement. Hard work and entrepreneurialism was in his blood. He also held careers at a Property Maintenance Manager, Nightclub Owner, Club Promoter, Delivery Driver and Produce Wholesaler. He had a love for sports and was a great fan of Patriots Football, Red Sox Baseball and soccer. He was an instrumental part of a committee that organized the first Roberto Clemente Parade in Springfield. For many years, he played softball on team Puerto Rico, in local softball leagues. His made an impact in the Springfield's area social scene with his nightclubs La Palma, Coqui, Coqui II, and co-owned Paraiso nightclub. A proud member of the Portuguese American Social Club. He had a passion for his community. Volunteering, fund raising and offering a helping hand to local non-profits inspired him. His smile was infectious and his jokes made anyone laugh. With his first wife Ramona, he had two children; with his second wife Damaris, he had three girls. One local family recently called to let me and his family know, that when there child was in the hospital due to a tragic incident, he organized an event at a local dance hall and donated all the proceeds to help the family. All who met him would smile and say he was such a genuinely and pleasant person. Heraclio was loved by his family and he leaves to cherish his memories Five Daughters: Awilda Roman, Kathy N. Carrasquillo, Joanne Santiago, Yajaira M. Santiago and Kiara Santiago, his Brother: Jose Angel Santiago, Two Sisters: Zoraida Santiago and Abigail Cortes, 20 Grandchildren: Richard A. Roman, Alisha Santiago, Wilson J. Santiago, Jr., James R. Roman, Daniel R. Santiago, Shantaly Martinez, Ezier I. Santiago, Zelyanni S. Maldonado, Leland A. Maldonado, Michael E. Gibbs, Ny'Ari J. Rose, Jair R. Rose, Liam M. Hamrick, Jonathan J. Rivera, Mia L. Rivera, Lexy D. Carrasquillo, Anthony D. Carrasquillo, Jason D. Carrasquillo, Jonathan D. Carrasquillo and Jayden D. Carrasquillo, Two Great Grandchildren: Isabella Lopez and Bryson Burge, and a host of family and friends. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at North End Funeral Home, 130 Carew Street, Springfield, MA. His burial will be held in Comerio, Puerto Rico. In Lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to: Salvation Army in Memory of Heraclio Santiago, 170 Pearl Street, Springfield, MA 01105.