Richard Joseph Santos

March 14, 1933 - February 18, 2020

Richard J. "Dick" Santos age 86 of Dixon died Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020 in his home. He was born March 14, 1933 in Dixon the son of Simon and Mary Louise (Olivares) Santos. Dick was a wire drawer at Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling for 28 years prior to his retirement in 1988. He was a veteran of the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of St Patrick Catholic Church, Dixon Knights of Columbus Council 690, and Dixon American Legion Post 12. For many years he played Santa Claus for the American Legion visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Dick coached American Legion Baseball for three years, coached Al Morrison Baseball for 15 years, coached basketball at St Mary's School for 15 years and was director or Dixon Park District softball tournaments for many years. Dick also worked on the Special Olympics Basketball Committee. He was an avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan and enjoyed fishing for catfish. Dick married LaFay Meyer January 11, 1958 in Dixon. He was preceded in death by his parents, one great grandson Angel, brothers Isadore, Daniel, Charles and Gabriel Santos and sister Alice Whitehead. Dick is survived by his wife LaFay, sons Michael (Connie Grobe) Santos and Jon "Stub" (Pat) Santos both of Dixon, Craig (Robyn) Santos of Tempe, AZ, and Ron (Karla Febles) Santos of Spring, TX; 3 grandchildren Megan, Madison, and Mackenzie and 5 great grandchildren Harbor, Reef, Sailor, Dylan, Kabe, and one on the way. He is also survived by one brother Simon Santos and one sister Molly Rutherford both of Dixon. Funeral services will be held Saturday Feb. 22, 2020 beginning with a 10:00 AM Prayer Service at the Jones Funeral Home followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. Keith Romke officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon. Visitation will be Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home with a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established to American Legion Baseball and St Mary School. Condolences may be sent online at www.thejonesfh.com