Obituary of Luis F Santana Alvarez

Luis Felipe Santana Alvarez, 81, of Burlington, MA, formerly of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Luis was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, to Felipe Santana and Carmen Alvarez. A gifted student, Luis excelled from an early age, graduating from Agustin Stahl High School at the age of 16. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Puerto Rico, followed by a Master’s of Science Degree in Education from Temple University. With a passion for teaching and a deep desire to give back to his community, Luis returned to Bayamón to dedicate his life to education.

As a teacher, Luis was known for his commitment to excellence and his unwavering belief in the potential of his students. He taught high school chemistry and physics at Pope John XXIII High School and also instructed at the college level. His students knew him as a challenging but compassionate educator. Luis was committed to providing a rigorous science curriculum to students at all academic levels. He took great pride in watching his students flourish and become responsible, contributing members of society. To this day, students remember his efforts.

Luis was also a devoted member of his community and a proud Christian. He was an active parishioner at the Disciples of Christ Church in Cerro Gordo, where he not only deepened his faith but also served on the church’s nomination and finance committees for many years. A member of the Knights of Columbus, he lived his faith through action, embracing the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:36-40 to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart" and "love thy neighbor as thyself." Luis exemplified these principles daily by putting others first, living a life of service, kindness, and compassion.

Luis’s impact was felt by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and students. Yet, they take comfort in knowing that his earthly journey has ended, and that he is now in the presence of his Maker, rewarded with a glorified body and soul. Luis’s legacy of faith, love, and dedication to others will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his life.

Luis loved travel, classic films, records and books.

After moving to Burlington Massachusetts in 2022, he found a Church family at Mount Hope Christian Center Church, attending every Sunday service and senior bible study and event he could.

Luis was the former husband of Luz Durán and the loving father of Pam (Santana) & Luis Villalta of Burlington, MA, Luis Santana Durán & Hasan Abdessamad of Seattle, WA, and Phillip Santana Durán of San Juan, PR.  He was the proud grandfather of Jessica Villalta-Chesley & William Chesley, Esteban Villalta, Luis  & Emily Villalta, Emily & Arianna Santana, Maya, Marco, Noor, and Noa Santana Abdessamad.  He was the great grandfather of Liam and Josephine Chesley.  He was the brother of Luz & Carlos Negrón.  He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Mount Hope Christian Church, 3 McGinnis Drive, Burlington, www.mounthope.org.   A burial service will be held on Monday, December 9 at 1 p.m. at Pine Haven Cemetery in Burlington.  Memorials in Luis’s name may be made to Mount Hope Christian Center, 3 McGinnis Drive, Burlington, MA 01803.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net