Our community lost someone special on May 14th. Santiago Lopez passed away after complications from surgery last August, never making it back to the neighborhood he loved and served.

For over a decade, Santiago quietly helped others through his daily volunteer work with North Brooklyn Angels, at Los Sures, and other pantry programs and local community gardens. He wasn't a man of many words, but his kindness and steady presence made a difference to everyone around him. If you asked him for help, without hesitation, he'd perk up his shoulders and say "let's go."

As the youngest of seven, Santiago didn't leave behind funds for his funeral expenses. We're coming together to help his family give him a dignified farewell. His family has requested that any extra donations go support North Brooklyn Angels in his honor — continuing work that was close to Santiago's heart.

His fellow volunteers will miss their conversations with Santiago about old NYC movies, his love of fishing, 60s music, and his stories about growing up in North Brooklyn. These simple moments created lasting connections, of which there were countless.

Your support helps honor the memory of this remarkable man who gave so much while asking for so little in return. Thank you for your support.