WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Veckman Santiago, age 80, of Waterbury, shares the news of his peaceful passing on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Waterbury Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Eva (Caraballo) Santiago.

Veckman was born on November 25, 1945, in Utuado, Puerto Rico the beloved son of the late Juan and Camelia (Sepulveda) Santiago. Veckman earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Puerto Rico. At the age of 23. In 1968 he moved to Connecticut, and in 1969, he married the love of his life, Eva. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and built a beautiful life and home in Waterbury centered on faith, family, and hard work. Veckman worked for over 20 years at Mattatuck Manufacturing and later at Teleflex Manufacturing until his retirement. He was known for his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to providing for his family — a value he proudly instilled in his children and grandchildren. A devoted Red Sox fan, Veckman enjoyed playing pool in his younger years, participating in local pool clubs in Waterbury and winning numerous tournaments. He also loved playing dominoes and watching boxing. Above all else, he treasured time spent with his family. Whether at holidays, birthdays, or simple gatherings, he found his greatest happiness surrounded by those he loved. Veckman was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished great-grandfather. His strength, dedication, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all those who were blessed to love and know him.

Left to cherish his Memory and honor his legacy are his beloved wife, Eva Santiago; his daughter, Leticia Luciano Santiago and her husband, Giovanni; his son, Veckman Santiago, Jr., and his wife, Sandie. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Camelia, Chynna, Manny, Nino, Asiana, Miranda, and Juniper. His legacy continues through his seven great-grandchildren — Sophia, Jaiden, Grace, Luna-Mae, Selena, Diego, and Layla — as well as his bonus granddaughter, Jaisha, all of whom brought him immense joy. In addition, he is also leaves his sister, Ada Perez; his brother, Noe Santiago, and his wife, Magda, of Puerto Rico; his sister, Norma Cortez, and her husband, Israel, of New Jersey; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Yolanda Serrano, Eva Santiago, Israel Santiago, and Harry Santiago.

Funeral Services for Mr. Santiago will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Todos Los Santos Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 361 S. Main St, Waterbury. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends may pay their respects and visit with the Santiago family on Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you on the funeral home website. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.