Obituary of Ralph E. Santiago

Obituary of Ralph Santiago Family and Marital Psychotherapist Ralph Santiago, 73, passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2019. Born in Manhattan, Ralph moved to Staten Island to attend the College of Staten Island and has been an active member of the community ever since. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx and received his B.A. in Sociology and Education at Friends World College. He received his M.S. in Counseling Psychology (Honors) at Bank Street College of Education and received a Postmasters Certification in Marital and Family Therapy at Hunter College. Ralph proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. Prior to his establishing a private practice in psychotherapy in 1987, Ralph served as Clinical Supervisor at the Camelot Substance Abuse Program, Clinical Consultant for the YMCA Counseling Service and Family Treatment Coordinator for St. Vincent's Medical Center. More recently, in addition to his private practice, he worked as a School Counselor at PS 6 in Tottenville. In his over 30 years of private practice, Ralph touched the lives of countless people, and was much loved and respected by his patients. Ralph was active in the Staten Island community. He was member and Past President of the Staten Island Rotary Club (2001-2011) and participated in fundraisers and events for autism awareness (his son David has autism). Music was always an important part of his life, starting from when he sang doo-wop as a teenager on the streets of Manhattan with his group City Streets. He is fondly remembered for his renditions of Only You and Hey Senorita. More recently Gloria and Ooo Baby Baby were his family's favorites when performing at local venues with his group The Dreamers. In addition to his music, Ralph loved to golfand ski. He shared his passion for skiing by teaching his children, nieces and nephews how to ski. He cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, andalways enjoyed the company of family and friends.He was a devoted caregiver to his daughter Marisa, who suffers from the effects of Lyme Disease. Ralph loved family gatherings and never came to a party without his homemade salsa. Ralph was the beloved husband of Susan Santiago (nee Romano), loving father of Marisa Santiago, Ariel Wetherby and David Santiago; cherished grandfather of Gabriella, James and Charlotte Wetherby. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Kennedy, and was predeceased by his brother George. Ralph will always be remembered for his infinite patience, boundless affection and generous spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Funeral from Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2508 Victory Blvd. Family and friends may visit on Monday, 7/29/19, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. On Tuesday, 7/30/19, a Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 10:00 AM. Committal will follow in Rosehill Crematory, Linden, NJ.