Obituaries

Donovan Jai Santiago, 24

October 22, 2021

Donovan Jai Santiago, 24, of Lancaster, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital, Friday, October 22, 2021. Born in Lancaster, he was the loving son of Chris and Wendy (Carl) Santiago.

A 2016 graduate of Hempfield High School, he worked for Giant for a short time. Donovan had a heart of gold and loved to give of his time volunteering for various organizations, including Field of Screams, Lancaster County Public Library for their book sales, and Toys for Tots.

A Lego Master, Donovan could put together even the most complicated of Lego sets. He was a video gamer, loved to go shooting with his father, enjoyed riding his 3-wheeler, racing quarter midgets, winning 2 trophies, and listening to music of all types. He recently attended concerts by Metal Militia and Suicide Boys. Donovan enjoyed painting and had his artwork displayed at Mulberry Art Studio. He was also a member of the Cub Scouts and attended the Center for Autism, East Petersburg. Donovan was associated with God’s Missionary Church.

Donovan especially looked for to Wednesdays, his favorite day of the week, when he would spend the entire day with his mother doing whatever he chose to do.

In addition to his parents, Donovan is survived by his older brother, Alex, maternal grandparents, Russell and Deborah Carl and paternal grandparents, Crispin and Cynthia Santiago; Uncles: Russell Carl, Jr., husband of Cathy, Daniel Carl, husband of Kristen, and Jason Santiago; Aunt, Alicia Santiago, companion of Nathan Groff; and a host of other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Donovan also leaves behind his very best friends who will miss him greatly: Cohen, Brody, and Mitchell.

Funeral services for Donovan will be held at 3PM, Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home from 1PM until the time of the service. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Donovan’s memory be made to the Center for Autism and Devlopmental Disabilities, 1886 Rohrerstown Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Condolences to the Family

December 05, 2021

I am very sorry to the whole family. No matter, I will always cherish the time I had with Donovan. He was kind, caring, and, loving and so much more. 

November 04, 2021

Chris, Wendy, and Alex…
 
I am so very sorry for your loss! My heart breaks for you all. Donovan was the sweetest kid! ❤ He will be missed. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do. 
 

November 01, 2021

Chris and Wendy, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Donovan. My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you guys!!

October 30, 2021

Dear Chris and Wendy, 
I dont know where to begin..my heart breaks for you. I can’t imagine loosing a child. I know a few parents who have lost children…I can never grasp what they it must like. Just know that when Tina told me, tears just came down my face  and my heart broke for both of you 💔 and the whole family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.  If you haven’t read this Bible verse yet I encourage you to do so..Matthew 5 verse 4. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.  Marilyn James

October 27, 2021

Where do I begin. Don was a one of a kind. His heart was as pure you could imagine. His friendship was the greatest I could ever ask for. I’m honored to be able to call him one of my bestest friends. Life will not be the same without him. I will miss spending time with him whether it be going to the pool which he loved, going out to the bar, going to roots early in the morning, going out to hang with our friends, or just hanging at the house smoking hookah together. Don was always a light in my life that was there to shine and brighten my day. He will truly be missed by everybody and I will never ever forget the times I shared with him. My heart goes out to his family if you guys ever need anything at all do not ever hesitate to ask. Rest In Peace brother you will live on in all our hearts forever.

October 27, 2021

Wendy, Chris and Alex,
Donovan was truly one of Brody’s dearest friends.  They enjoyed going to concerts together and hanging out with their buddies. He will be missed immensely.  The few times I got to visit with Donovan he would talk to me forever about what was going on at the time or his thoughts on something. He was full of ideas.  He was an amazing young man and that speaks volumes for the two of you as parents.  Our thoughts are with you during this heartbreaking time.

October 27, 2021

Wendy, Chris and Alex,
Our hearts are broken for you!  You all are in our thoughts and prayers.  Praying you can find peace and comfort in your wonderful memories and your love for each other.  
Love, Eric and Cherie

October 27, 2021

Wendy, Chris and Alex, Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family as we heard of Donovan’s passing. I will always remember is bright smile and fun personality. May you find strength and healing in God’s love.
Gail and Tony Singleton

October 27, 2021

Dear Wendy, Chris and Alex,
This is such a bright light being dimmed!!!
We are so sorry that this pain has happened to your family.  His awesome smile would light up the room. We know that your heart’s are broken as is anyone that knew “D”.  We love you and your family!
Love,
Mitchell, Weylan, Beth & Martin 
 

October 26, 2021

Sorry for the loss of Donovan! He was a great friend to me and I will miss him so much!

October 26, 2021

Chris and family, 
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you love. Erica Morrison Cherry 

October 26, 2021

So sorry you all had to go through this. We will continue praying 🙏 for all. Please continue to walk with God for comfort and strength.  Let us know if there is anything we can do for you all.  We are here for you.  

October 26, 2021

My heart just breaks reading this. I can’t imagine the pain you and your family are going through right now. Words do not make any of this easier so just know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.

October 26, 2021

Chris & wendy
My condolences for the loss of donovan. 
You guys are in my thoughts.  And are with me throughout this difficult and sad time 
Jeff Smeltzer

October 26, 2021

Wendy, Chris and Alex,
Please, accept our deepest heartfelt condolences. D was an amazing young man. I cannot fathom going through this. Please, know that I, we, are here for anything that you need. May you feel and find peace during this difficult time. Christina A

October 26, 2021

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. We hold you close in our thoughts and hope you know you can lean on us for whatever you may need. Know that we are sharing in your sorrow and lifting you up in prayer.
May our prayers help comfort you know that we are sharing in your sorrow and lifting you up in prayer. May you feel God’s comfort and grace all around you. Sincere condolences.
Love Stacia and KC Crossland

October 26, 2021

You are my best friend My brother my soulmate in ways  We spent so much time together it’s not even funny I’m gonna miss those memories Nan but I’m happy and blessed to have them and that’s the most true words I’ve ever said  You know you got ways about you that can’t ever be replaced And so many people love you and you left behind a legacy And I want you to know that Nirvana we’re gonna live that legacy and we’re gonna keep rock and rolling for you buddy rest in peace my brother my brother until we meet again

October 26, 2021

Donovan we will miss your smiling furry face. I will miss those big furry hugs and kisses.  Flea markets will be an empty day waiting for you to come and show us the treasures you found…Holidays  will never be the same.  Knowing you are with Nanny and the many other loved ones that were waiting for you with open arms is a comfort.  I don’t understand why God took you from us but I know he ended your suffering and for that we are gratefull.  This is one of the hardest things we all have had to face and pray God will send  us comfort and strength in the days ahead.  Fly high with the other Angels and we will meet again.  Love you and miss you very much. 

October 26, 2021

Chris & Wendy,
My condolences for the loss of your son. I only met Donovan a few times but reading about his favorite activities and his life showed what kind of person he was and that he had a big heart.    I know he will be missed by many.                         Lori Sherlock 

October 26, 2021

We are so sorry that you lost your son. He was a remarkable young man!!
Love Aunt Lori and Uncle Mark and Dante

Visitation
Saturday, November 06, 2021
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Saturday, November 06, 2021
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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