Alexander “Alex” Michael Santoyo was living for the day when he could move back to Pennsylvania.
Job opportunities led him to relocate 10 years ago to Valparaiso, Ind., but it was never really home.
Johnstown was where his heart was.
When Mr. Santoyo finally found a job in Pittsburgh, where his sons were living, he made plans to return to the region.
But a tragic accident Saturday ended the life of the 54-year-old maintenance foreman.
On the day before he planned to turn in his notice at U.S. Steel Gary Works, he fell from a crane to his death.
U.S. Steel is looking into the accident that occurred at the plant’s No. 2 Q-BOP furnace, the Lake County coroner’s office reported. United Steelworkers District 7 and national safety and health departments also are investigating.
Mr. Santoyo leaves behind his wife, the former Deborah Rock; two sons, Eric and Scott, and their wives; and two grandchildren.
“He always wanted to come back home, especially when my brother and I landed in Pittsburgh,” his elder son, Eric, said.
Mr. Santoyo was one of 10 children born to Jesus and Maria Santoyo.
Jesus Santoyo, an immigrant from Mexico, taught his son the value of hard work and the importance of getting an education. The lessons were learned and passed on.
Alex Santoyo had continued his educational pursuits in Indiana and had earned two bachelor’s degrees.
“He never stopped learning,” his son said. “He loved learning.”
Mr. Santoyo wanted his children to excel as well.
“He was strict on us – especially when it came to getting good grades in school,” his son said.
“I just recently finished my degree. He would tell me, ‘You have to go back and get your master’s degree. Do it now.’ ”
Eric Santoyo described his father as a talented man who could do just about anything – electrical work, tile, drywall.
He even constructed a fireplace in the family home.
Mr. Santoyo was known not only for his ambition and hard work, but also for his generosity and fearlessness.
“He wasn’t scared of anything,” his son said. “He took on everything and anything.”
Eric Santoyo said his father always kept a positive attitude and knew how to enjoy himself.
It was nothing for him to grab the microphone at the company party and lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of “La Bamba.”
“He loved to have fun,” his son said.
“He was our role model. He was our hero,” he continued. “He was an honorable man who always sacrificed for the good of our family.”
Mrs. Santoyo intends to continue the planned move to Pittsburgh but it will be without her beloved husband.
The two met as students at Bishop McCort High School and had been married for 35 years.
“He loved my mother with everything he had,” their son said.
Frank Duca Funeral Homes will handle local arrangements, but it has not been decided at which home the funeral will be held on Monday. Further details will appear in Saturday’s paper.
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