Joe B. Santiago

Joe B. Santiago (61) was born March 13, 1953 in Terceira, Azores, Portugal to Antonio and Maria Santiago and passed away on February 4, 2015 at home surrounded by family and friends. Joe served in the Portuguese military prior to immigrating to the United States in 1977.

Joe completed the vocational nursing and registered nursing programs at Bakersfield College. He completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program at University of Phoenix (Bakersfield) and Masters of Science in Nursing with the Family Nurse Practitioner program at University of Phoenix (Pasadena). Joe was employed by Mercy Hospital, Westside District Hospital, Bakersfield Home Health/Mercy Home Health and the Greater Los Angeles Outpatient Veteran’s Administration Clinic as a nurse / nurse practitioner. He taught nursing students at Bakersfield Adult School, SBBCollege – Bakersfield and Taft College. Joe’s life was one of service to the nursing profession, his patients and the community for 36 years until he retired in 2013.

Joe is survived by his spouse Carolyn of Bakersfield, sister Margarida Santiago, brothers Joao (Malagres) and Carlos (Idalina) Santiago of Tulare, CA, nephew Brian (Regan) Santiago of Fresno, CA, niece Carla Santiago of Santa Barbara, CA, brother-in-laws Charles and Les Pickett of Edwards, MO, Gary (Jeanette) of Bakersfield and sister in law Donna (Jessie) Long of Sparta, NC.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Maria Santiago.

A special thank you to Dr. Stephen Hosea of Sansum Clinic, Optimal Hospice nurses and staff, Elaine Davis, David and Lorraine Garcia and Joe’s sister Margarida for the care and compassion as Joe’s health declined.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 2:30 pm at Kern River Mortuary 1900 N. Chester Ave Bakersfield, CA 93308. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Optimal Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice.