On Thursday morning, March 1, 2018, Santiago Alfaro Jr, the spiritual rock of his family, entered the presence of the Lord at the age of 56 in the most peaceful way possible.
Born in Prosser, Washington to Santiago and Berta (Martinez) Alfaro. He met his future wife, Irma Esparza, while attending junior high school in Eagle Pass, TX. They remained sweethearts throughout high school, college, and careers, marrying in Eagle Pass in 1984. Together they established a new place to call home in Austin, TX (later moving to Kyle, TX) and raised their children through life’s many up’s and down’s. He was an extraordinary, unfailing provider to his family.
Santiago was a warrior in his faith. He volunteered at the Promiseland Church of San Marcos for a number of years before being awarded his position as an elder. He was loving and dedicated to his family and friends, dropping whatever task he was on to lend a hand. He enjoyed keeping himself busy and productive; never being one to simply sit around. He loved to be outside, do yardwork, work on cars, and take care of any maintenance around his house. His challenges with Parkinson’s Disease rarely slowed him down. It was his doctor who said “Whoa,” and strongly cautioned him to take a more leisurely pace, one which never settled well with Santiago. Many of his close family and friends can testify he battled Parkinson’s with such grace; proclaiming God would one day heal him.
He was a Computer Specialist at the Austin IRS office for over 35 years and was known for his ability to fix anything. Santiago was also a grilling aficionado. He loved to BBQ fajitas for all family gatherings. Even if it meant being out under the hot sun for several hours, as long as everyone else had enough to eat and was happy, so was he. When Santiago was in his 40’s, he learned to play the accordion. He would dedicate hours on end, practicing his skills and singing praises of God. He always loved to sing. He was a jokester who delighted in old western movies, especially John Wayne and Clint Eastwood films. He was a dedicated Dallas Cowboy fan and followed the Atlanta Braves through spring and summer. He was young at heart, forever claimed to be 29 years old, and despite his battles of health, he never once grew a single grey hair on his head.
Santiago will be remembered for his easy going demeanor, unfailing helping hand, selfless, giving spirit, dedication to family and friends, and his unbreakable trust in God. He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Irma Alfaro, daughter Rosela, son Santiago III, daughter Suzette, puppy Chloe, granddaughter Mia Rose, five siblings: Arturo Alfaro, Elva Gonzalez, Juanita Martinez, Jose Luis Alfaro, Alfredo Alfaro, and a countless number of friends.
Join us in celebrating Santiago’s remarkable life on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 beginning with a visitation from 5pm to 8pm at Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby in Kyle, TX. Friends and family are invited to join in continuing the celebration on Wednesday, March 7th at 10:00am for Santiago’s funeral service at Promiseland Church San Marcos, 1650 Lime Kiln Road in San Marcos, TX. Interment will follow immediately at the Kyle Cemetery in Kyle, TX.
Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Santiago’s family on his online memorial site.
Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-8200
