Our dad, Erasmo “Mito” Santos Jr. passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 15, 1954, in Laredo, Texas, his life was a testament to hard work, family, and faith. Our father was not a perfect man, but he was our father, and his presence in our lives was constant. He showed up in his own way—often rough around the edges, sometimes quiet when words failed him—but he was always there. Through both the blessings and trials of life, he taught us, and his grandchildren, lessons that will remain in our hearts. He helped guide us, showing us the kind of people, we strive to become, and at times, reminding us of the importance of choosing a better path. His steadfast and stubborn spirit—imperfect, genuine, and deeply human—is, in the end, what we came to respect and admire most about him.

More than the lessons, more than the guidance, it is the small sacred moments we’ll miss the most. Dancing with him, the way he two-stepped, his own unique step, it was ours. How he loved the game and how win or lose, we would look over next to us and hear him roar with pride in his grandkids! How he so enjoyed the mundane, everyday things we take for granted like proudly standing at the bus stop with other parents, in frigid temperatures, waiting for his grandkids. Our talks with him about anything and everything that showed us the importance of being a listening heart in service of others. Every time we celebrated success and joy as a family, we could count on him to be present, in the moment, with his camera in hand ready to capture the memory. These are the pieces of him we will carry forever. He was imperfect, yes, but in those imperfections, he leaves behind memories, lessons and a love that will live on in us, in his grandchildren and, God willing, a legacy of faith and family.

Mito is preceded in death by his parents (Erasmo & Guadalupe Santos) and his older brother (Erasmo Santos).

Mito is survived by his longtime companion, Patricia “Patsy” Gutierrez; his children, Claudia (Dean) Mando, Selina Santos, Melissa Santos-Dominguez, Adriana (Roberto) Zepeda and Guillermo “Willie” Elizondo. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Denise Gabriella, Rolando Antonio, Liliana Sophia, Larissa Andrea (Leroy), Victoria Isabel, Isaac Alfredo, Jack Dean, Mia Natalia, Mia Eileen, Alessandra Liset, Lauryn Justine, Daniela Aliza, Damien Jacob and Aurora Faith. He was also blessed to witness the birth of his first great-grandchild, Leilani Kaeli. Mito also leaves behind his younger sisters, Laura (Doug) Kiel and Cynthia (Buddy) Riley.

Mito believed in the importance of your word, the value of being present (especially in the lives of his grandchildren) and that above all, God’s presence should be at the center of every heart and every family. He will be missed beyond words.