Obituary of Edwin O. Santiago Sr.

Edwin O. Santiago, Sr., age 74 years, of Camden formerly of Trenton, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 23, 2023.

Devoted father of Edwin “Eddie” O. Santiago Jr. (Jeenie), Judith “Judi” M. Miles (Chalone), Rosa “Rosie” A. Santiago (Robert) and Jonathan “Jon” W. Santiago (Lindsay).  Loving Papa of Edwin R. (Dominique), Israel (Jennell), Angelina, Zackary, Xaiver, Joseph, Mykayla, Madeline, Nathan, Lillian, Eliana and Alexander and great grandfather of Jonathan, Isaac, Valentina, Prince, and Sunny.  Dear brother of Migdalia Santiago, Nestor Santiago Sr., and Henry Santiago (Aurea).  Also survived by the mother of his children, Norma Martinez, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was a proud and decorated United States Navy Veteran serving on the USS Duncan during the Vietnam War. 

Edwin was a lifelong entrepreneur with many hobbies and interests.  While in college studying music, one of his proudest moments was being asked to represent the Haddonfield Harmonic and sing with the Boston Harmonic.  He built his own music studio in the basement of his home in Camden, where he would not only produce his own Christian music but would also produce music for the local youths in Camden at a discounted rate.  Edwin also had his own music group, J.E.M., with whom he recorded several albums and would perform in churches across the tri-state area.  He owned the bowling pro shop at Ivy Lanes in Pennsauken, he also worked at Heather Drugs and then retired from Dunbar as an armed guard.  After retiring, Edwin was able to pursue his passion for cooking and in his later years focused on his catering business.

Edwin was an active member of St. Joseph’s Pro Cathedral Church in Camden for over 50 years.  He served as the cantor, volunteered at the Romero Center at the church and was a pillar of the church community. 

In his spare time, Edwin enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, analyzing lottery tickets, trips to the casinos and shopping.  He could often be found looking for deals at the Columbus flea market.  He was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and took pride in his yearly Christmas displays.  Edwin had a passion for life and made sure to share his hobbies and interests with his children and grandchildren.  His legacy will be cherished by all who loved him and had the pleasure of knowing him.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation and Funeral on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 10AM-12PM at St. Joseph Pro Cathedral, 2907 Federal Street in Camden, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12PM.  Entombment will follow at the Camden County Veterans Cemetery in Camden.