Sergio R. Santillano

Other than Sergio, he went by many names “Dad”,“Grandpa”, “Abuelo”, “Profe” (short for Professor), and “Coach”. 

Sergio's story starts on December 7, 1951, born in Tornillo, Texas from humble beginnings. He graduated from Ysleta High School and was very proud to be from the Lower Valley area of El Paso, TX. Sergio graduated from the University of Texas - El Paso (UTEP) in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Sergio specialized in Special Education and taught for many years in this setting, leaving his mark on children across the city who attended Hillcrest Middle School, Hanks High School, and Riverside High School. Sergio also obtained a master's degree from Sul Ross State University with a Master of Education Administration in 1995. After his masters degree, Sergio went on to obtain administration appointments within the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, TX.

One notable chapter in his life was Sergio’s impact during his years teaching and as the head boys soccer coach at Hanks High School. During this time, Sergio, took the Hanks High School Knights boy's soccer team to the Texas State Boys Soccer Championship in 1993, which was the first time this had occurred in El Paso, TX history. Sergio or fondly remembered in El Paso, TX as “Coach”,  was a role model and mentor to many young men and soccer players in El Paso, TX, with many soccer players still keeping in touch with him until the end of his life. 

Sergio was also known as “Profe” (short for Professor), also taught English as a second language, ESOL, for many years at El Paso Community College, Ciudad Juarez – Centro de Lenguas, and even abroad in Doha, Qatar for Qatar Community College (also served as the college men's head soccer coach) a satellite of Houston Community College, and most recently at Lone Star Community College - Creekside Campus in The Woodlands, TX, where he lived. Sergio made a profound impact on these students and many times served as a father figure to them, encouraging and instilling the love of learning. 

Sergio’s Faith was unwavering, he was an active parishioner, ACTS member, and Bridges to Life Ministry, which is visiting prisoners, spreading the word of God to our most broken, inmates living in the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, TX through St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands, TX.

Sergio was known for his stylish attire, love of hats, cigars, music, sports (Cowboys and Yankees), Mexican food and classic cars. Above all, he was known for his Faith, perseverance, work ethic, kindness, sense of humor and love of family.

Sergio’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him “Grandpa” and “Abuelo”, were his heart and joy, cementing a special bond with each and every one of them. 

Loved ones that will miss Sergio are his devoted and loving wife Rosa Eva Santillano, Children: Jacob Santillano, Dawn Carreon (and husband Michael), Cassandra Gonzales (and husband Carlos), Melanie Romero (and husband Steven). Grandchildren: Jacob Alvarez, Aaliyah Santillano, Jason Carreon (and wife Kyla, daughters Lilly, Emma and Isabella); Michael Carreon Jr., Christopher Carreon, Oliver Gonzales, Leo Gonzales, Roxana Romero, and Bruno Romero. Sergio will also be missed by his brothers: Victor Manuel (Yolanda), Quirino (Ramona), Reynaldo, David (Sylvia), Fernando, and sisters Ofelia (Pete), Virginia, Graciela; and countless nieces, nephews and many friends. 

Celebration of life plans are in process for a memorial service honoring Sergio’s life. An announcement will be forthcoming with date and venue.