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Santiago Soto Dies in Georgia

Santiago Soto Santiago "Chago" Soto of Frederiksted, St. Croix, died on Jan. 15 at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his family. Psalm 102:1 "Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You."
Our beloved father grew up on the island of St. Croix and was very proud of his Puerto Rican-Crucian ancestry. He loved baseball and was proud of his N.Y. Yankees, N.Y. Mets and Leones de Ponce. He was an outgoing human being who loved people and in return people loved him too. He was an avid cook who delighted us with his delicious local and Spanish dishes. He was also an avid traveler who took us on countless trips that made us appreciate other cultures and the true meaning of "one world." He instilled in us a great work ethic and a respect for work. And to no surprise, he worked hard and valiantly, the whole nine innings, against his unrelenting illness. We love you Chago and we are proud of you. We will never forget you.
He is survived by sons: Santiago Soto Jr. and Victor Soto; daughter, Iliana "Lily" Soto; special friend in his heart, Carmen L. Freedman-Garcia; daughters-in-law: Mary Kristalin Soto and Cretia L. Soto; grandchildren: Shakeira S. Soto, Victoria Soto, Vanessa Soto, Danielle Steward, D’jenne Steward, Derrick Steward, D’vaughn "Bobby" Steward and Destiny Steward; brothers: Vicente Soto, Elminio Soto, Santos Almestica and Juan Adam; sisters: Rosa Soto, Gloria Soto and Gregoria Christian; cousins: Jose "Che" Soto, Carlos Saldaña, Miguel Saldaña, Saulo Saldaña, Jose Luis Saldaña, Isabel Soto, Pinto and many others too numerous to mention; brother-in-law, Carmelo Velazquez; sisters-in-law: Edith Soto, Georgina Benjamin and Nilsa Almestica; nieces and nephews: Yvonne Ayala, Edita Preston, Ana Soto, Vicente Soto Jr., Marco Antonio Soto, Victor V. Soto, Louis Soto, Juan Soto, Jimmy Soto, Mario Luis Soto, Rodney Soto, Adriana Reyes Joseph, Myrna Van Beverhudt, Norma Harris, Carmelo Velazquez, Gustavo Solorzano, David Pinet, Luiz "Luisito" Velasquez, Ruth Perkins, James Garcia, Ancella Gittens, Leopold Gittens, Umberto Gittens, Jimmy Gittens, Tony Soto, David Soto, Minerva "Pumi" Cuencas, Elminio Ortiz, Rosita Ortiz, Marisela Soto, Noel Romero, Ricky Romero, Esteban Christian, Bobby Almestica, Hector Soto and Victoria Soto; and many other relatives too numerous to mention.
Other survivors include special dear friends: Miguelina, Rubio, Carlito, Papito Ayala, Jessica Soto, Ulric Benjamin Jr. and Julia Tull along with past and present friends at American Eagle/American Airlines/Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, our neighborhood friends from Estate White Lady and many other friends too numerous to mention.
His viewing will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, at Medford-Peden Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia. His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

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