Felipe was my next door neighbor in Valencia. When I came to visit him and his sweet Delia it felt like home. He was one of the kindest souls I have ever met. He was intelligent and wise. He was one of the most gifted cooks I have ever known. He sent his delicious dishes over the fence many times. He could truly SEE better than most. I will NEVER forget him. 

All my Love,

Carrie Romney

Dr. Felipe O. Santana was more than a family friend—he was my mentor during college and someone who truly shaped the way I see the world.

He lived and spoke with courage, humility, and wisdom. His own words said it best:

“If I have touched one life for the best, only one life, then I can die in peace.”

You touched many, Dr. Santana. Rejoice in peace. 🕊️ Until Next Time....

My thoughts and prayers to the entire Santana familia. 

What I most remember about Orestes is the way he treated me. I had never encountered an adult who treated me so kindly and with such respect, despite being only 5 years old! That respect never wavered as I grew, and I am forever grateful for the example he set for me. Every time I saw Orestes, I promised myself that when I had children, I would treat them the same way, and more importantly, their friends. He was a reminder to always open my home to family and friends, to be welcoming, and to prepare good food. Once Mike and I were married, I made it a point to host parties for Christmas, New Year’s, Halloween, graduations, and birthdays. I wanted my children to reflect someday on how Orestes and Delia opened their home to so many of us.

I’ll never forget one Christmas Eve in Camarillo when I saw Orestes rush to the door to bring in the mailman. The mailman seemed confused, but Orestes was determined to serve him food and a drink. He quickly introduced him to everyone, grabbed a bottle of wine from the hallway, and placed it in his arms. Orestes’ generosity had no limits, and as a child witnessing that love, compassion, and true Christmas spirit, it shaped who I am today.

Orestes touched so many lives, making them better with his kind spirit, love of food, and encouragement. Each encounter with him left us a little kinder, with a lesson in humanity and decency.

Mike and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and guess where Mike proposed to me? That’s right—at Orestes and Delia’s house in Spanish Hills. Reflecting on those 25 years, it’s fitting that our journey began there, in front of a man who defined love, family, and generosity. I am so grateful to have been blessed by his presence, and I will continue to honor his spirit and the profound impact he had on this beautiful world.

When I first met “Mr Santana” I was a sophomore in high school. He immediately made a positive impact on my unstable teenage life. I showed up at his house after 11pm with Sandra. We had been out doing who knows what 😬He welcomed me into their home with open arms like no parent I had ever known. He asked if we were hungry. Sandra responded “Yes!” for both of us. He cooked us Cuban sandwiches 🥪 (Sandra made Ovaltine.) While we ate, Mr Santana spent time talking with us and getting to know me. 

I felt a bit overwhelmed because he was so kind to me and I had no idea why?  

To this day, it was the best Cuban sandwich I’ve ever had. I remain in  search for one that is half as tasty. But thinking back on it, it wasn’t the tasty ingredients, it was the company! 💙

Over the years, Mr Santana and his aura became my safe haven. I admired him and sought out his wise counsel on numerous occasions; When I ran away after fighting with my parents, When I decided to enlist in the military, I brought my fiancée over to meet him before we got married and he even visited me when I was stationed in Colorado when my baby was four months old. 

And then he carried on the tradition of mentoring my teenage son Spencer, who occasionally came over to babysit his grandkids, Maya and Marcus

Mr Santana, in a non judgmental way,  helped me change my course of life by showing me how to get back on track, respect myself,  and (try to) practice understanding and acceptance of myself and of others.  

Sandra, sending you a great big hug of love and thanks 🤗  for graciously sharing your father with me for the past 40 years! 

RIP my friend, my mentor, my dad figure, my hero! I love you ❤️ 

Stacy Handley