Freddy Santiago Jr.

Freddy Santiago Jr., 42, of Denver, Colorado, transitioned from this life July 3, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Freddy was born on March 19, 1982, in San Angelo, Texas but spent most of his childhood in Fort Collins, Colorado. He graduated from Centennial High School in 2000.

 Freddy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 2002. While in the Marines, he served as a warehouse clerk and achieved the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in September 2006. His combat and humanitarian tours include Operation Iraqi Freedom (Kuwait), Operation Secure Tomorrow (Haiti) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). 

 His military decorations include the Rifle Expert Badge, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (awarded 3 times), Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Award and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

 Freddy was known for his kind heart, sense of humor and unwavering love for his family and friends. He served as a true friend to all those that had the pleasure of knowing him. Freddy always lent a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and always offered up words of encouragement. Despite his battle with cancer, he remained positive and lived life to the fullest. Freddy’s greatest joy was spending time with those he loved, riding his motorcycle, and enjoying the companionship of his four-legged friend, Odie. 

 Freddy is survived by his parents Freddy Santiago Sr. and Delores Ortega-Santiago; mother, Rosa Linda Rewerts (Michael); sisters, Celynda Patterson (Eric) and Savannah Ortega-Santiago; niece, Penelope Patterson; nephew, Daylan Patterson; grandmother, Elva Newsom; grandfather, Alex Martinez; grandparents, Gilbert and Lorraine Ortega; uncles Oscar Perez, Bert Newsome and Roger Santiago (Michelle) and aunts Rosa Stanford and Teddie Gonzales (Gene). Freddy was preceded in death by his grandfather, Gonzalo Perez; grandmother, Virginia Martinez and cousin Andrew Gonzales. 

 A funeral service will be held on July 22, 2024, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Service located at 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO. 80227. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. The Patriot Guard will lead the procession to the cemetery. 

 Freddy will be missed by all who knew him. His spirit and loving nature will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in peace. Semper fidelis.