Roberto 'Dino' Santiago

Roberto “Dino” Santiago, age 62, of New Vienna, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Soin Medical Center.  He was born on January 11, 1958 in Manhattan, New York. After Graduating High School in 1976, Dino enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July of the same year and began a family soon after. Over the course of his military career, he specialized in the area of Communication and Special Intelligence and also served as a boot camp drill instructor. After serving his country for 20 years, Dino retired from the military as a Gunnery Sergeant in 1996.

Following retirement, Dino worked various jobs in the DC area before moving to Ohio and marrying Elizabeth Fairchild in 2005. He spent several years enjoying retirement, spending time with family, and volunteering in the community before he made the decision to pursue a lifelong dream of working in the medical field and went to nursing school. Dino graduated from Southern State Community College as a Licensed Practical Nurse in January of 2014.  Just a few months later, he received his degree as a Registered Nurse. Dino truly loved being a nurse. Over his 6-year nursing career, he worked at the Cape May Retirement Community and, most recently, Highland District Hospital’s Endoscopy Clinic, where he was loved by many.

Dino was a fun-loving guy with a true zest for life. His outlook on life can be summed up in 2 of his favorite phrases, “Don’t try it, just do it,” and “Don’t borry tomorry’s worries.” He never met a stranger and enjoyed striking up conversations with anyone he came across. He had a true love for learning, writing, tinkering with gadgets, and music of all kinds. Dino was incredibly creative in all aspects of his life but, especially in the kitchen. He was an excellent cook. Above all else, he loved spending time with family and absolutely adored his 14 grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.

Dino was preceded in death by his parents, Carmen Vargas and William Santiago, as well as a brother, Edgardo Welch all of New York.

Dino is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Santiago of New Vienna; a son, Roberto J. (Erin) Santiago and a daughter, Elena (Jason) Santiago Martin, all of North Carolina. A stepson, Jared (Carla) Storer of Lynchburg, and a stepdaughter, Jessica Hill of Louisiana. 14 grandchildren, Carlos, TeShaun, Elias, Marcus, Adriana, and Cora of North Carolina, Keke, Kelsie, Clayton, Kellin, Kyleigh, Kenton, Corah of Ohio and Mikayla of Louisiana.  Also left to cherish his memories are brothers, William Santiago, Hector Welch, and a sister, Patricia Welch, all of New York, as well as a host of extended family, friends, and coworkers.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations go to your local homeless shelter.

Family will receive friends on Friday, December 11, 2020, at Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina, from 4-5:30pm, when a funeral service will begin.  In the spirit of Dino, please dress casually, wear a mask, and practice as much social distancing as possible.