Josã© Ramon Santiago

Jose Ramon Santiago, 60, Whitfield, died April 9, 2009, in his residence with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of Karen L. Flammer, whom he married on May 21, 1988.

Born on Feb. 28, 1949, in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Victor and Carmen (Alvarado) Santiago.

After graduating from Reading High School in 1968, he continued his education at Villanova University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Jose focused his career advocating for Berks County children. He served 11 years on the Caron Foundation treatment board.

In 1997, he received the Service to Youth Award from ProKids. At the age of 45, he attended Kutztown University and earned a master's degree in education and then obtained his principal's certificate from Alvernia University.

Jose was a guidance counselor at Reading High School, an assistant principal at Southern Middle School and lastly an intervention specialist for the Reading middle schools.

He was an active member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Spring Township.

Jose is also survived by three sons: Emilio E.F., who is a student at RACC; and Andres R.F. and Jose R.F., who are Wilson School District students.

Other survivors include three brothers: Orlando, husband of Carmen Santiago, Staten Island, N.Y.; Wilfredo, husband of Felecita Santiago, Reading; and Luis Santiago, Philadelphia; and a sister, Myrta, wife of Luis Rodriguez, Reading; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jose was predeceased by a brother, Victor, on March 23, 2009, whose wife, Sylvia Santiago, resides in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

He was a devoted golfer and will be missed on the golf course.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 1 p.m. in Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, Spring Township. A private viewing will be held for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made c/o Karen Flammer for the Jose Ramon Santiago Scholarship Fund to benefit students in the Reading School District or to the Loving Arms Cancer Support Group at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, 1110 Synder Road, Reading, PA 19609. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.