Dr. Danilo Santiago

Dr. Danilo Padilla Santiago September 15, 1942 - February 11, 2021 (Age 78)

Funeral mass for Dr. Danilo Padilla Santiago will be Saturday, February 20, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Gravesite service for family at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Stephens Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangments.

Dr. Santiago was born in Tarlac, Philippines. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas School of Medicine in Manila, Philippines. He began his medical career at Georgetown Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana, South America from 1970 - 1973. After leaving Guyana, he practiced at Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas 1973 -1980.

Dr. Santiago and family moved to Meridian, MS in 1980. He worked at Matty Hersee Hospital until closure in 1989. He worked for the MS State Department of Health District VI until his retirement in 2010.

Dr. Santiago was an active parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was a member of the pastoral council, Filipino Choir and ACES (Active Christian Enthusiastic Seniors). He and his wife, Aurora (Rory), coordinated the annual musical variety/fashion show/ dinner for 22 years. He organized the St. Patrick Filipino Community’s participation in the St. Patrick School’s annual Irish Festival for the past 30 years. He was a proud 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 802.

Dr. Santiago was the most loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, baking and decorating birthday and wedding cakes, Alabama football, and supporting his grandchildren in their school and sports activities. He was the life of the party, had an unforgettable smile that lit up a room and was loved by everyone who knew him. He always ensured that family came first.

Dr. Santiago is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, Aurora Santiago; his daughters Marian Joy Santiago Howell (Billy), Mary Rose Santiago Downing (Rob); 5 grandchildren Mackenzie Howell, Mallory Howell, Harrison Downing, Hayden Downing, and Hallie Rose Downing; a brother Romeo Santiago (Josefina) of Canada, sister Rosemarie Santiago Labao (Danilo) of Philippines and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfredo and Gloria Padilla Santiago, sisters Rosario Aurora Santiago and Grace Santiago.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to: St. Patrick School 2700 Davis Street Meridian, MS 39301 601-482-6044