Luis Santiago

Luis Santiago was born in 1938 in the Dominican Republic, coming of age during the era of the Trujillo dictatorship. As a young man, Luis fell in love with the game of baseball, and by the age of 16 he was playing as a pitcher for various semi-pro teams, eventually representing his country in tournaments across the Caribbean and South America.

It was baseball that brought Luis and his beloved wife, Gladys, an avid baseball fan, together. Shortly after, the two twenty-somethings ventured to New York City — without knowing the language, without job security, and far from the people of Santiago de los Caballeros and culture that had shaped them. Together they built a life and a family from that leap of faith in a new country while holding on to the hope of a better and brighter tomorrow.

In New York City, both found work in the thriving manufacturing industry as factory workers in the mid 1960s. Later an opportunity presented itself and Luis found work as an EMT driver, where he got to help people while getting to know the Big Apple. Eventually, he went on to become a chauffeur for the chairman of NYC Hospitals Corporation, a role he held until his retirement in 1996.

Outside of work, Luis found joy in life’s simple, steady pleasures — baseball, action movies, old westerns, and family get-togethers. He wasn’t one for frequent travel, but he made an exception for one especially memorable trip to Hawaii. In his later years, Luis achieved what so many immigrants dream of — retiring to his homeland, the Dominican Republic in 2002.

Luis was preceded in death by his sons, Luis Jr. and Joe. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, to whom he was married for 63 years; his sons, Juan, Rey, and Pedro; and his daughters, Joann and Gina; 12 grandchildren; and 8 greatgrandchildren, and counting. Those who knew him remember his quick wit, his endless supply of funny anecdotes, and the fact that he seemed to have a nickname for absolutely everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy of

humor, love, and quiet devotion. May God bless his soul and all the loved ones he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made

toward Luis’ burial expenses, as his final resting place will be in the Dominican Republic Donations may be made via Zelle: [email protected]

Visitation will be held at National Cremation Society, 7565 Red Bug Lake Road, Oviedo, FL 32765, US, on July 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Religious Ceremony at the same location on July 9, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.