Rolando Santiago

We celebrate the life of Rolando V. Santiago, 79, who passed away on September 4, 2026, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. Rolando was born on March 25, 1947, in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines, to Rufino Santiago Sr. and Emma Villaroman Santiago. The eldest of ten children, he helped set the example for a close-knit family whose bonds remained strong throughout his life. After graduating from San Beda University in Manila, Rolando immigrated to New York City in 1969 in pursuit of new opportunities and the American dream. He later earned a master's degree in business from New York University. Early in his career, he worked for Gulf & Western before finding his true calling in real estate education. He eventually founded his own real estate school and dedicated more than 40 years to educating and mentoring aspiring professionals. Through his guidance, thousands of loyal students launched rewarding and successful careers in real estate. Rolando embraced life with enthusiasm and a cautious sense of adventure. He enjoyed playing the guitar, gardening and landscaping, savoring good food, and traveling the world. His stories captivated family and friends, whether recounting bullfights in Spain, sumo wrestling tournaments in Japan, a pilgrimage through the Holy Land in Israel, or scuba diving among vibrant coral reefs. A creative and skilled builder, he took great pride in the projects he brought to life, from an elaborate model train set in his younger years to the beautiful nativity landscape he later created and cherished. Above all, Rolando's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Nanette Gamboa Santiago; his children, Christopher Santiago, Stephanie (Stephen) Concannon, and Marisa (Michael) Felice; and his treasured grandchildren, Haley, Leah, Colin, Emily, Nathaniel, and Benjamin. He also leaves behind a large and loving extended family of siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as a supportive community of friends, colleagues, and associates. Rolando will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Affectionately known as Pops, Kuya, Tito Rolly, Lolopops, and Roland, he will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, generosity, and dedication to family and community. A Funeral Mass will be at 9:30 AM on Friday at St. Bernadette located at 20 Villanova Road Parlin, New Jersey 08859. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals and Cremation Service, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com

Rolando Santiago

March 25, 1947 - September 4, 2026