Jose “Joe” Santiago, 91, longtime resident of Seneca Falls, passed peacefully in the comfort of his own home, on the evening of Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. A private graveside service, with military honors, will be held at the convenience of his family at Maple Grove Cemetery in Waterloo.

Jose was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, son of the late Benito and Maria (Avilez) Santiago. He was one of 24 children the couple were blessed to have had. In 1953, at the age of 22, he joined the US Army and served proudly for two years. Upon his discharge, Jose returned to the Finger Lakes area where he lived and worked for the rest of his life. He worked at the Seneca Army Depot for a few years, before starting what would become a longtime career at the Philips Electronic Component Group building. He worked as a guard for Philips and Sylvania, and for HP Nuen, he transitioned to the maintenance department. Each time the building changed hands, he stayed with the facility. He spent over 40 years at that building before finally retiring.

Outside of work, Jose loved anything and everything about cars. He loved fixing them, driving them, collecting them, and over the years had several that meant a lot to him. Later in life, Jose enjoyed sitting outside on his porch, taking in the sunshine in the summer.

On March 8th, 2007, he was united in marriage with Lois Hatten; the couple sharing 19 years of marriage together.

Jose is survived by his wife, Lois; son, Joseph M. Santiago; six daughters, Sherry, Julie, Linda, Cheryl (Bill), Carrie, Cassie; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many siblings.