Heraclio "Rocky" Santillanes

Santillanes, Heraclio  "Rocky"
Age 80, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2015 in Socorro, NM. He was born in Lemitar , NM on March 27, 1935, to Jose and Crusita Romero Santillanes. Rocky grew up in Lemitar and attended school in Lemitar and later in Socorro. He was the best basketball player at the Lemitar School. He was the oldest of 5 children and he starting helping farm on his family farm at the early age of 8. Rocky loved music and especially dancing. He met the love of his life, Viola Lopez, at a dance at Sarracino and they were married in 1963. While at Good Samaritan Society, Rocky would go to the dining room every Sunday at 10:00 am to listen to music played by Gary Stendel, Angie and Robert. He would raise his arms and tap his feet on the floor to the music. Rocky was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. Rocky enjoyed working on cars and with heavy equipment and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who ask. He was a bus driver for the Socorro Consolidated School District for 37 years before retiring. Rocky loved animals and enjoyed raising his rabbits. He always kept his yard free of weeds and would help clean the area around the large wooden cross at the San Miguel Cemetery. Rocky would also give the cross a fresh coat of paint every year. Rocky will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.   He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donato Santillanes. Rocky is survived by his wife, Viola; son, Gilbert Santillanes; grandson, Gilbert Santillanes, Jr.granddaughter, Jackie Brawley; sisters, Pauline "Polly" Saiz and husband, Toby, Helen Garcia and husband, Julian, and Isabel Padilla and husband, Sam; and many nieces and nephews. The Holy Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at 8:30 am at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real , Socorro with the Mass of Resurrection immediately following at 9:00 am.  Father Andrew Pavlak as Celebrant.  Burial will take place at the Lemitar Cemetery following service.  Pallbearers will be Jerry Griego and Toby Chris.  Rocky's care has been entrusted to  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield St
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530