Mario Antonio Santiago 1954-2025 Mario Antonio Santiago,

Mario Antonio Santiago 1954-2025 Mario Antonio Santiago, born on Oct. 31, 1954, in Albuquerque, peacefully began his eternal journey on June 17, 2025. Mario was a fun-loving prankster whose unrestrained spirit was legendary and contagious. He could throw an entire group of people into hysterics with a simple offhand comment while walking into the room. Mario leaves behind his wife and partner of 11 years, Karla Laurie; three children, whom he was so immensely proud, son, Moses (Jessica) and Mario's grandchildren, Jordan (also godson) and Mario's great-granddaughters, Mackenzie and Melonie; as well as grandchildren, D'yon, Mya and lil' Moses; daughter, Selina and Mario's granddaughter, Lauryn; and son, Carlos (Monica) and Mario's grandchildren, Lucas, L'eah and Roman. Also surviving him are his nine amazing siblings, including his brother, Mark and sons, Jason and Javier, sister, Johnnina (Bob) and children, Feliz and Adan, sister, Joanne, aka "George," and sons, Domingo and Emiliano, brother, Michael (Maurice) and children, Jon Michael and Megan, sister, Jude (Michael) and sons, Esequiel and Diego, brother-in-law, Hunter and children Damion, Josh and Nina, sister, Cinnie (Robert) and children, Bobbi Jo, Gabriella, Simone, Francisco and Santiago, sister, Jackie (Michael) and daughters, Desiree, Adrianne (Mario's goddaughter) and Bernadette, brother, Matthew (Alexis) and sons, Jarreau and Tyler, and sister, Maura (Stacey) and children, Jazmine, Miles and Quincy; as well as a joyful group of great nieces and nephews. Awaiting Mario in heaven are all his grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins and especially his parents, Juan and Nina; his brother-in-law, Joe; and special sister, Rita. Mario graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1972, earning a letter award and New Mexico Activities Association certificate and medal as a member of the Albuquerque High Bulldogs 1971 State Championship Boys Basketball Team. In 1977, Mario proudly joined the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier, deployed in the Mediterranean Sea with many fond memories and received an honorable discharge in 1981. He joined the Albuquerque Fire Department in 1982 and proudly served as a driver, firefighter and EMT. He retired in 2002 from his beloved Station No. 14. He will be remembered there for his legendary culinary ability, outrageous antics and sense of humor. Mario enjoyed lifetime friendships from these endeavors as evident in his choice of pallbearers: Ralph Ortega (Lucy), from childhood and also AFD; James Garcia (Rhea), from childhood; Paul Garcia (Doreen), from the USS JFK; Will Mora (Sandra), from AFD; Marcos Salaz (Patti), from AFD; and Kelly Russell (Kay), longtime friends and neighbors. Mario had a supercharged dose of charisma, which was on display at any gathering and especially on the golf course. In his retirement years, he also proved himself as an accomplished painter, displaying and selling his work through the Belen Art League. He and Karla had the honor multiple times of being featured artists in the front window display at the Belen Art League. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where arrangements are available at noblin.com.