Santiago “Santi” Mendez 86 years old, formerly of Galena, IL passed away September 11, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic private family services will be held in Galena. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. He graduated from the University of Havana, Cuba. Santi was united in marriage to his wife of sixty-two years Carmen Mendez in 1958 in Havana Cuba. He worked as a material control director for Stewart Warner Corporation until his retirement. He served on the board of directors for the Sinsinawa Sister Convent, Galena Territory Association and the Rotary. Santi loved his friends, parties, and fishing. He was always available to volunteer and to mentor those in need. He is survived by his wife Carmen, three daughters, Grace Puma Whiteford of Texas, Carmen Cochrane of Florida, and Maria Hughes of Minnesota, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.