Juan G. Santiago

Early Life

Juan was born in the Philippines to Dr. Leon C. Santiago and Wenceslawa de la Fuente. He grew up in Manila with his two beloved older sisters, Amelita Villaruz and Rizalina Causing, and attended the University of the Philippines Prep School before graduating from Philippine Christian Academy. From an early age, Juan developed a love of automobiles that stayed with him throughout his life. It was a passion he first shared with his father and later joyfully passed on to his son.

A Life-Changing Journey

Juan often reflected on how one missed opportunity unexpectedly changed the course of his life. As a teenager, he had the good fortune of driving a different vehicle almost every day because his brother-in-law owned a car dealership, which deepened his lifelong fascination of cars. He dreamed of buying a rare 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible, but when he arrived to purchase it from a U.S.

Naval officer, the car had been sold just minutes earlier. He often believed this was his “fork in the road” moment and that, if he had bought the Thunderbird, he might never have left the Philippines. What felt like a disappointment at the time became, in retrospect, a pivotal turning point that helped shape his future.

In the months that followed, Juan spent much of his free time riding motorcycles and enjoying the company of his close-knit “barkada” friends. Juan’s father saw his son’s potential and wanted the very best for him, so he strongly encouraged Juan to pursue higher education in the United States. With only a one-way ticket, Juan left for New Jersey. He worked during the day, attended classes at night, and through determination, perseverance, and hard work earned his B.S. degree in Economics in 1965 from Seton Hall University.

Marriage and Family Life

Juan’s move to the United States opened the door to one of the most meaningful chapters of his life. Through a series of fortunate events and social gatherings in New York City, he met Minerva, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They married in 1964 and built a life together grounded in love, devotion, and family.

In the Princeton, New Jersey, area, Juan and Minerva raised their five children in a home filled with warmth, laughter, safety, and strong family values. He loved welcoming family to stays at their home, with such generosity and frequency that neighborhood children affectionately referred to it as “Hotel Santiago.”

Juan also loved to travel, which he often did for work, visiting countries around the world. Yet because family was always at the center of his life, his most meaningful journeys were trips to the Philippines with his family, where he cherished reconnecting with extended family and sharing his Filipino heritage with his children.

He also had a genuine love of good food long before the word “foodie” became popular. He enjoyed dining out and especially loved steak, with Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn setting the standard. He often shared the story of meeting and being served by Wolfgang Zwiener before Wolfgang went on to open his own steakhouse. Juan also had a deep appreciation for Japanese food, enjoyed his work visits to Japan, and frequently visited Hatsuhana, a Japanese restaurant near the United Nations headquarters where he worked.

As a father, one of Juan’s greatest joys was knowing that the sacrifices he and Minerva made gave their children opportunities for higher education. He spoke of this with deep pride and fulfillment, taking great joy in seeing his children earn college and graduate degrees.

Career and Life Experiences

Juan devoted 35 years of distinguished service to the United Nations, a career that brought him meaningful assignments, extensive international travel, opportunities to meet world leaders, and many valued professional relationships. He was especially proud that he built his career “on his own,” beginning in an entry-level position in the mailroom and advancing through promotions into senior management roles. Among the relationships he valued most was his mentorship under Rafael Salas, who had previously served as Executive Secretary to President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Juan carried with him a wealth of experiences and insights, and he was always generous in sharing what he had learned with others.

Those who knew Juan understood how strongly he believed in hard work, integrity, humility, and kindness. He treated people with respect regardless of their role and believed that success should never come at the expense of one’s character. His knowledge, curiosity, and thoughtful perspective earned him the affectionate nickname “The Professor” among his children.

While working at the United Nations in New York City, Juan also became a lifelong Knicks fan. Watching games with his son became a treasured shared pastime, and he continued to hope they would one day win another championship. In a fitting and joyful moment, he was able to witness their third championship just weeks before his passing.

In retirement, Juan and Minerva spent 25 meaningful years in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where they built their home in Governor’s Club and enjoyed the next chapter of their life together. During retirement, he devoted his first years writing an autobiography book and shared copies with his children so that future generations could know his story, learn from his experiences, and feel connected to the life he lived.

Juan also enjoyed the intellectual energy of the university community and the company of people from professional and academic circles. He especially valued thoughtful conversation and often spent time at local coffee shops discussing U.S. politics, international affairs, and current events.

Legacy

Juan is lovingly survived by his wife of 60 years, Minerva; his sister Rizalina Causing; his five children, Shirley, Monica, Maryann, Liza, and Michael; and his ten grandchildren, Christopher, Sophie, Catherine, John, Lauren, Nicholas, Annabel, Alexandra, Claire, and Jeffrey.

Juan’s greatest legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the values he instilled in them: love, perseverance, dedication, integrity, kindness, and a deep commitment to education. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Juan's life will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they gather to celebrate his life and honor his memory In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s hospital.