Edwin "Chico" Santiago, Sr., 63, of Margate, FL entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 28, 2017. Survived by his children: Lesandro Santiago, Desiree Santiago, D'allesandra Santiago, Edwin Santiago, Jr., and Nicholas Santiago; his grandchildren: Devon Thompson, Zurina Santiago, Elyssia Santiago, Alexandra Garcia, Dominic Garcia, Gabriel Bush and Giuliana Santiago; his brothers: Miguel "Mike" Santiago and Jose (Annie) Santiago; his aunt, Palmiera Santiago.
Chico was born the 26th of November, 1953 to Rosa and Miguel Santiago in Bronx, NY. He spent the majority of his childhood in Brentwood, NY, where he attended Brentwood High School. In 1971, Chico joined the U.S. Army, attached to Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas as an Infantryman. He spent a tour in Vietnam during the war, achieving the rank of Private First Class, while earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (Bronze Star device) and the Sharp Shooter Medal. In 1975, Chico completed his tour of duty in the Army and returned home with an Honorable Discharge. In 2009, he medically retired from the Army receiving a 100% Disability Rating for his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.
Chico was a fun-loving guy, who was known to be very athletic, playing numerous sports, such as: softball (his favorite), basketball, racquetball, handball and golf. Chico was a team member and coach for 4 National Championship Softball Teams in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He paraphrased many quotes, such as: "Bro, you are killing me", "Do you know who I am?", "That's a thing of Beauty.", and "I'll shove that Wackenhut badge up your ASS!", etc. On a serious note, he loved spending quality time with each of his children and grandchildren.
Do not mourn his death, but rather cherish how he lived. Til we meet again in Heaven. Just ask God where is "Chico The Legend" and he'll guide you.
Please share your memories of Edwin or your condolences to his family through this Online Book of Memories.