Obituary of Ezequiel Santiago
Ezequiel "Chequi" Santiago - age 45, beloved son of Americo Santiago and Evelyn Robles (Mitch Robles), passed away into the eternal, yet peaceful rest of the Lord on Friday, March 15, 2019 in Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT. Chequi, as his family and close friends graciously called him, was born in Camden, New Jersey, then relocated with his family to the City of Bridgeport’s South End. Ezequiel had been elected to serve on the Bridgeport City Council before he was elected to represent the 130th District in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Following his Dad's footsteps as a state legislator, who retired some years prior before relocating to Puerto Rico, Ezequiel had worked on his father's campaigns where he educated himself on the ins and outs of politics. He was subtle and quiet, yet assertive and effective. He was clearly an influential voice for the people of Bridgeport who knew they could rely on Ezequiel to work for the betterment of their community; His quiet demeanor belied his abilities and effectiveness in making progress towards the issues he believed in. He was not one to seek attention, nor seek recognition, or media attention on things he worked on or accomplished.
Following the November, 2018 election, he was chosen by the Bridgeport delegation to lead the group for the current 2019 Legislative Session. He had also been named House Chairman of the Banking Committee and sat on the Appropriations and Commerce Committees.
He was well known at the Capitol for his work on raising the minimum wage for workers and extending the state’s foreclosure mediation program to protect people from losing their homes. Other issues he worked on included protecting worker’s rights, improving police training and pushing for more local hiring on the police force, greener alternative sources of energy, increasing minority representation in the courts, closing the achievement gap, improvements to schools including Housatonic Community College and keeping funding intact for critical local social service agencies.
Most recently, he, along with fellow representatives including his close friend Christopher Rosario, had been on the forefront of the battle to win legislative approval in the House for a Bridgeport casino along the Harbor. He was a great team player and knew the key to success was to work as a team, because he believed if everyone was on the same page, had the same agenda, then progress would be inevitable. He had the ability to cut through all the negative, non complimentary labels some tried to place on his city, and it didn't stop him from solidifying relationships and amicably working even with those who may not have had the same agenda. These qualities are what made Ezequiel stand out among his colleagues, striving for what he believed would be best for the city he called home since childhood.
He was a strong Puerto Rican Leader who made the city proud that he was part of Bridgeport’s representation in Hartford. His passing does not leave simply an empty chair in Hartford, but a serious void in the hearts and minds of many who he graciously heard, helped and worked with. Integrity wasn’t an option for Ezequiel, it was a required quality because of who he was and how he did things. He has left a permanent mark in the hearts and minds of many who today shed tears and grieve because of the passing of this great man.
Besides his parents Ezequiel is survived by his daughters Lenymar Matos, ILenny Matos his youngest Chelsie M Santiago; his Grandmothers Lydia Antonia Mercado and Olga Molina; one Brother Eddie Omar Santiago ( Jodi Anastasia Santiago ); two sisters Michelle Robles (Jason Rivera) and April Robles; His Girlfriend Paula Romero; and a host of other relatives and friends whom will dearly miss him.
Friends are invited to attend Visitation/Calling Hours on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 5-9 P.M. at the Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 begining at 10:00 A.M. followed by a breif Service and then proceed for interment in Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT.
Meanwhile please sign our online registerbook and memorial webpage as a place where you may share your thoughts, memories, prayers, pictures and so much more but is EXCLUSIVELY found at www.luzdepaz.com.
The Funeraria Luz de Paz, (Peaceful Light Funeral Home), 426 E. Washington Ave., Bridgeport, CT has been granted the honor to provide services for Ezequiel.
Please know this obituary is PRELIMINARY as we are gathering information every minute and will formally update the death notice with as much information as we can after confirming with the immediate family accuracy and receiving proper authorization to post any and all information. Ezequiel was a man of many many many accomplishments and our goal is to show as many as we can. We thank you in advance for your patience.
At the request of the family, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS memorial donations be made to the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, in his memory. This is an organization He believed in and knew was working towards promotion of children reaching higher goals in every part of their lives from sports to Education. Therefore Memorial Donations may be made to
Mailing Address:1067 Park Avenue Bridgeport 06604 or via online at www.bcyl.org
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