Romeo “Tatay Romy” Manahan Obituary, Death – Felicito Manahan After a long battle with illness, Santiago, age 82, who resided at 169 High Street in Athol, Massachusetts, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in the Athol Memorial Hospital. On October 4, 1927, he was born in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. He was the son of the late Gregorio Santiago and the late Elena (Manahan) Santiago. Both of his parents have now passed away. Mr. Santiago was born in Nueva Ecija and had his education in Manila, both in the Philippines. In the Philippines, he studied at the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Institute and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After completing his education, he found work in the field of naval architecture. After serving as a Community Development Officer for the duration of the Vietnam War, he went on to work for the Department of Interior and Local Government in the Philippines up until the year 1990, when he finally took early retirement. After relocating to Athol in 1993 with his family, Mr. Santiago began volunteering at the medical practice run by Doctor Amparo on Main Street. He had a tremendous understanding of, and was very interested in, the history of the United States, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. In addition to that, he had a passion for the restoration of vintage automobiles, particularly classic European automobiles.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Angela Matibag (Papa) Santiago; five children, Emmanuel Gideon M. Santiago and his wife Ruth of Manila, Philippines, Felani S. Aricheta and her husband Romeo of Lakeland, Florida, Erwin M. Santiago and his companion Vickie Infante of Athol, Felicitas S. Reyes and her husband Vener, all of Virginia Beach, Virginia; two sisters, Elenita and Ligaya of Philippines; and eight grandchildren Our Lady Immaculate Church, located at 192 School Street in Athol, will have a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in honor of the deceased. On Friday, December 18, 2009, calling hours will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Fiske Funeral Home located at 1356 Main Street in Athol. On Saturday, December 19, 2009, calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the same location.