Felipe Orestes Santana passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025 with his wife, daughter and granddaughter, Maya, at his bedside. His grandson, Marcus, left 15 minutes prior.  Felipe's sons, Orestes and Oscar, spoke to him over the phone.  All six of us were able to say good-bye before he passed.  We let him know he will be greatly missed and that eventually we will be ok because his soul, words of wisdom and legacy will always live within us.  

Below is one of his many essays that he wrote.  He was often inspired by writers and philosophers that reflected his view of life and self.  He reminded me (Sandra) last week that he wanted this to be his obituary. Here you go Dad:

I am Dr. Felipe O. Santana, the one that some people know, but I believe I am Orestes Santana lglesias:

I am a very common man. It is my right to be common, but it is also my right to seek the opportunity to develop whatever talents God gave me, and not to seek security. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.  

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life, to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment that achieves the calm state of Utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor my dignity for a handout. I will not cower before any earthly master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand straight, proud, humble and fearful of being unafraid.

When hunger has bent me, I have become erect by my pride. I try my hardest to think and act myself, to enjoy the benefit of life, even in the worst of what life can offer, finding good in the worst of life.

I would like to say at the time of my departure from this phase of life that I have done the best I was able to do with the limited knowledge I had, serving and respecting all human beings. I have lived my life with the passion of a poet, with the intensity of a centurion, with the love of Aphrodite.

I Hope I was a good student, never a master; and if I have touched one life for the best, only one life, then I can die in peace and I will be able to say, "I have done my job." Don't cry for me.

REJOICE WITH ME! REJOICE WITH ME! REJOICE WITH ME!...

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