| Graduation Year | Class of 2015 |
| Date of Birth | Sep 16, 1997 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 27, 2016 |
| About | Santino Valentin Perez left this world unexpectedly on November 27, 2016. Santino, or “Tino” as he was called by family friends, was born to parents Roberto Perez and Katherene Adams Negrete in Oakland, California. He grew up in Hayward, California having attended Cherryland Elementary, Bret Harte Middle School, and Hayward High School. He was a very outgoing child, played in Mt. Eden little league baseball, was a sports enthusiast, and an avid fan of Mexican cuisine. Thorough out his childhood there existed a fun-loving, positive aura about him. But most notable to all of those that were fortunate enough to have known him, Santino was a kind-hearted, thoughtful young man, and a friend to all. [Picture] He is survived by his parents Roberto and Katherene, his step-mom Claudia Perez and siblings Isaac and Leila, and his step-dad Gilberto Negrete and brother Marcelo. He is also survived by grandparents Ysidro and Maria Perez, and grandmother Kathy Adams and Frank Vanbeekom. Santino reunites with and is now accompanied by his beloved great grandmother Ilene Bryant, who passed before him in 2006. Santino also leaves behind numerous uncles uncles, cousins, and countless friends from all aspects of his life. Santino’s imprint and influence will forever remain with all of his dear friends, co-workers and classmates, as evidenced by the countless anecdotes and shared memories of Santino’s life & good deeds. Be it the occasion in which Santino donated his entire pay check to a friend who was experiencing undue personal difficulties and financial hardship, or the numerous instances where his co-workers witnessed him sit with a disabled person to engage him in conversation and share his lunch. Or the advice and words of encouragement he would share with his ailing and grief-stricken friends. Santino’s heart and soul were wiser beyond his 19 years in this world. For all who knew Santino, the day of November 27, 2016 was a dreary rainy day, both figuratively and quite literally. Although it was inclement weather and a tragic set of circumstances that conspired to end his beautiful life, one must always remember that it was with great gusto and eagerness that he traveled that rainy morning. He traveled so that he may work and save his earnings to buy presents for his family and friends for the upcoming Christmas holiday. He had a generous and loving heart of gold that never waivered and touched more lives than most adults who live a full long life. On September 16, 1997, Santino Valentin Perez was born to the delight of his parents Roberto and Katherene. Restless nights soon came after, as any new born baby often produces. Though exhausting those early days, months, and years may have been, his smiles and laughter rewarded mom and dad every single moment that they shared. And it was mom and dad’s love and guidance, and the love of his extended family, step-mom, step-dad, siblings, and friends that nurtured him throughout his years. It is this love that made him the wonderful young man he became. It is this love that those who knew him will need to hold onto forever… |
