Gilberto Santiago

Gilberto Santiago Sr., 87, passed away at his Marina home on February 27, 2018. Gilberto was a resident of the Monterey Peninsula for 51 years. He was born in Arecibo Puerto Rico and was drafted into the US Army at the age of 21. He was sent to fight in the Korean War where he served two combat tours. He also served a combat tour in the Vietnam War and retired from the US Army after 20 years of service. He was decorated for valor with two Bronze Stars and in 2014, President Obama and the US Congress awarded him and all the men of the Famous 65Th Infantry Regiment "The Boriqueneers" The Congressional Gold Medal. After his military career, he continued to serve his country as a US civil servant for another 21 years. Gilberto was a beloved husband, father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years Carmen and his 5 children, Wanda, Nancy, Gilberto Jr, Marlene and David, 9 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. In a private family ceremony, Gilberto was laid to rest at Mission Memorial Cemetery in Seaside California, on March 10th, 2018. His loss is great, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.