Obituary of Serapio Santana Freites

Serapio "Yapo" Santana Freites, 76, of Niles, passed away at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville on Monday, June 12, 2017. Yapo was born on November 7, 1940, to the late Teodoro Santana Ortiz and Eudilia Rodriquez Freites in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. In 1958 Yapo (or Santana, as many also knew him) moved to the states to work for Green Giant in the mushroom factory. It was there that he met his future wife, Dorothy. On September 23, 1961, Yapo wed Dorothy Ellen Fuller at a ceremony in Niles. Together the two had four children. Yapo worked tirelessly to support his family. He attended night school to obtain his high school diploma and then took trade classes in tool and die. He eventually left Green Giant to work for Henco as a tool and die maker. He left Henco after 23 years and went to work at Walmart where he remained for the next 17 years until his health prevented him from working any longer. Yapo was a proud member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles where he previously served as an usher. When he wasn't working Santana was usually found outside tending to his farm or working on a construction project at the house. Construction at the Freites Santana house was a very common sight. Though the house never needed it he was always adding on to make things more comfortable. Yapo and Dorothy have lived in their home for nearly 56 years. He loved his animals; he had four miniature ponies, a donkey, and a llama. He was even known to mow the lawn with a baby goat on his lap. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Carmen Santana and Justo Santana. Yapo is survived by his wife, Dorothy Santana; children, Maria (Jose) Bueno of South Bend, David Santana of Niles, Ida Santana of Niles, and Alicia Santana of Kokomo, Indiana; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Joaquina, Alana, Juana, Margo, Teresa, Antonia, and Minerva Santana all of Puerto Rico, Juan Santana of South Bend, and Ramon Santana of Niles; his one-eyed, thirteen year old pug, Princess; and many extended family members and close friends. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at St. Mark Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Father Thomas King will be officiating, assisted by Brother Dennis Meyers.