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Orange County resident Officer Santiago of Washingtonville, 65, died at the scene of the crash on Saturday, March 22, after his vehicle was struck head-on by a van that crossed into the wrong lane near Exit 113 in the Sullivan County town of Mamakating, according to New York State Police and Washingtonville Police Chief Brian Zaccaro.
His wife, Blanca Santiago, 64, was injured in the crash and remains hospitalized in stable condition at Garnet Medical Center in Middletown, as Daily Voice previously reported.
The wake for Officer Santiago will be held Sunday, March 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Ferguson Funeral Home at 20 North St. in Washingtonville.
The funeral will take place Monday, March 31, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 42 Goshen Ave. in Washingtonville.
Officer Santiago was remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and public servant. He served with the NYPD for 20 years—most of them with the elite Highway Patrol Unit—before retiring in 2001. He continued his law enforcement career part-time with several Orange County police departments, including more than 20 years with the Washingtonville Police Department, his obituary said.
Santiago grew up in the Bronx and moved to Orange County in 1997 to raise his family. He was known for his love of cigars, classic Corvettes, Harley rides, and time spent with his grandchildren, according to his obituary.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Blanca, and his sons Anthony, Richard, and stepson Cesar Vidal. He was a proud grandfather to Antonio, Liliana, Laila, Emilia, Iyana, Juliette, Xavier, and Jaysun.
In the days following Santiago's tragic death, many who knew him memorialized him on social media, including Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who wrote:
"Rest in peace, Police Officer Jose Santiago. I was lucky enough to know Jose for over 20 years... I want to thank the New York State police, the staff at Garnett Hospital, and my emergency management team, who all came together and did their part to bring some comfort in a terrible situation."
"I am holding Jose’s wife and family in my prayers," Neuhaus continued.
Santiago's former colleague, Mike Coleman, also posted a tribute, writing, "You were truly one of the best partners I worked with...A cops cop, and the old school type that we don’t see anymore."
The fatal crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call State Police Wurtsboro BCI at 845-888-2681.
Click here to read Santiago's full obituary.
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