German Santana, 81

October 04, 2025

German Santana, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, he was preceded in death by his parents, Carmelo and Margarita Santana, German lived a life marked by resilience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. He overcame a difficult youth and built a life he wanted that was full of love, strength, and purpose. His journey was one of perseverance—from humble beginnings to becoming a source of strength for his family and friends.

German held many roles throughout his life, most notably including as a butcher, the proud co-owner of Santana’s Cleaning Service, and retired as a Custodial Worker at Thaddeus Stevens College. No matter the job, he worked with integrity and pride, always putting his family first.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Elba Santana (Torres); his four children whom he loved dearly, Herman Santana Jr (Eva), Darlene Santana (Ray), Margaret Santana, and Mervin Santana (Tammy); and two cherished relatives he helped raise as his own, niece Johanna Garcia and nephew Vincent Garcia (Carmen). He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews all over the country and in Puerto Rico.

German was known for his warm personality—he never met a stranger. He loved fishing, attending car shows, playing dominoes, going to flea markets, traveling with his family, and shopping with Elba. He was kind, caring, and always ready to help anyone in need. To his family, he was the best father, husband, and friend anyone could ask for.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A viewing will take place from 10-11 AM with a Funeral Service to begin at 11 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St, Millersville, PA 17551. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park.

German Santana, querido esposo, padre, abuelo y amigo, falleció en paz el 4 de octubre de 2025 en Lancaster, Pensilvania, rodeado del amor de su familia.

Nacido en Bayamón, Puerto Rico, fue precedido en muerte por sus padres, Carmelo y Margarita Santana. German vivió una vida marcada por la resiliencia, la bondad y una dedicación inquebrantable hacia sus seres queridos. Superó una juventud difícil y construyó la vida que soñaba, llena de amor, fortaleza y propósito. Su camino fue uno de perseverancia—desde sus humildes comienzos hasta convertirse en un pilar de apoyo para su familia y amistades.

A lo largo de su vida desempeñó varios roles, incluyendo carnicero, orgulloso copropietario de Santana’s Cleaning Service, y se retiró como trabajador de mantenimiento en Thaddeus Stevens College. Sin importar el trabajo, siempre lo hizo con integridad y orgullo, poniendo a su familia primero.

Le sobreviven su esposa devota, Elba Santana (Torres); sus cuatro hijos, a quienes amó profundamente: Herman Santana Jr. (Eva), Darlene Santana (Ray), Margaret Santana y Mervin Santana (Tammy); y dos seres queridos que crió como si fueran sus propios hijos, su sobrina Johanna García y su sobrino Vincent García (Carmen). También deja 13 nietos, 14 bisnietos y muchos sobrinos y sobrinas en todo el país y en Puerto Rico.

German era conocido por su personalidad cálida—nunca conoció a un extraño. Le encantaba pescar, ir a exhibiciones de autos, jugar dominó, visitar pulgueros, viajar con su familia y salir de compras con Elba. Era amable, atento y siempre dispuesto a ayudar a quien lo necesitara. Para su familia, fue el mejor padre, esposo y amigo que uno pudiera pedir.

Su legado vive en las vidas que tocó y en el amor que dio sin medida. Será profundamente extrañado y siempre recordado.

Se llevará a cabo una visita de 10 a 11 AM, con un Servicio Funerario que comenzará a las 11 AM el jueves 9 de octubre de 2025 en la Funeraria y Crematorio Charles F. Snyder, 441 N. George St, Millersville, PA 17551. El entierro será en Conestoga Memorial Park.

Watch the tribute video