Luis Santiago Pacheco

It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Luis Santiago Pacheco, age 87, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida on November 5, 2024. Our dad, Luis, was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on April 4, 1937. He lived there until his early thirties, when he moved to live in Brooklyn, NY. Thereafter, Luis became a long-term resident of Vineland, NJ and a devote Christian member of the Assembly of Christian Churches, Inc. Luis was a simple man with a simple life and a dry sense of humor. Despite a primary-level education, he taught himself many things, among them he taught himself to read, write and speak in both Spanish and English. He was no-nonsense but compassionate and generous. He was very independent. He enjoyed caring for his many dogs. He loved driving or repairing his big fancy cars. During quiet times, he loved reading or studying the Bible for hours at a time. He was a hard worker and a dedicated exemplary employee. He was a certified mechanic since 1981 in New Jersey, having passed the state’s Civil Service exam. He retired from the Vineland Board of Education as a Mechanic Repairer in February 2001, after 24 years of service. He received many awards for his service and charity from his local communities. For many years, he was the lead pastor at the Church of Christ in the Antilles, Inc., in the Bronx, NY and Iglesia De Dios in Atlantic City, NJ, where he was cherished by his fellow Christian members. During his last few years of life, he lived comfortably with his son and wife, Jorge and Natalia, in Royal Palm Beach. Late in life, he enjoyed travel, riding his scooter, and rekindling his connections with family.

He was predeceased by his parents Tomas and Monserrate, his son Luis Santiago, Jr., his daughter Margie Santiago, and his late wife Carmen Santiago. Luis is survived by his three children: Iris (married to Angel), Jorge (married to Natalia), and Marta, as well as many adult grandchildren and a recently born great-grandson. 

Luis will be remembered by his family and many friends who will miss him dearly. His funeral services will take place at Tillman Funeral Homes in Royal Palm Beach on November 22, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The burial will take place immediately after at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to share memories and celebrate his life.