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Miguel’s spirit blazed with quiet strength, and his legacy will remain enduringly etched in the hearts of those who cherished him.

It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we mark the passing of Miguel Angel Santos-Escribano, affectionately known as Abuelo, whose beloved life journey began in Puerto Rico on May 8, 1954, and ended in Greenville, South Carolina, on June 21, 2026. Though his time with us was heartbreakingly brief, Miguel’s spirit blazed with quiet strength, and his legacy will remain enduringly etched in the hearts of those who cherished him.

Miguel entered this world surrounded by the rich culture and vibrant spirit of his Puerto Rican homeland, a place whose warmth and resilience seemed to dwell within him from his first breath. Those who knew him, even for a short while, recognized a gentleness and a courage that would define his days. Despite the daunting challenge of health conditions that shadowed him from 2005, Miguel’s resolve shone forth—a testament, perhaps, to the indomitable will that has characterized generations before him.

In Easley, South Carolina, the place he would call home during his last days, Miguel was a cherished presence. Every moment, every breath, resonated with a silent dignity that inspired all who gathered round his small, tenacious flame. His story is not just one of quiet endurance, but of love that transcends circumstance and persists even when words and time run short.

Miguel is survived by his beloved wife, Carmen Santos, whose tender devotion was a beacon through both joyous and trying times. He is also lovingly remembered by his daughters, Zidnia Rivera and her husband, Angel Rivera; Zenaida Santos and her husband, Alberto Santos; and Iris Santos-Maradiaga and her husband, Alex Maradiaga.

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Despite the daunting challenge of health conditions that shadowed him from 2005, Miguel’s resolve shone forth.

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Jomar, Janiel, Elionaid, Jeziel, Lemuel, Zadiel, Abraham, Zadrian, Jacelyn, Azarias, and Jianyeliz, each carrying forward his legacy of love, faith, and strength. He is further survived by his treasured great-grandchildren, Athena and Bellary, who brought him immense joy.

Miguel was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Zimael, whose memory remained forever close to his heart.

He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings: Carmen I. Santos, Maribel Santos, Heriberto Santos, Roberto Santos, Julio A. Santos, Judith Santos, Carlos Santos, and Maria I. Santos. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jose L. Santos, Angel M. Santos, and Jose A. Santos.

Miguel was also preceded in death by his beloved parents, Santos Santos Ocaña and Carmen Santos, whose love and guidance helped shape the man he became.

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Every moment, every breath, resonated with a silent dignity that inspired all who gathered round his small, tenacious flame.

Each member of his family, in their own way, holds dear the memories of Miguel—the precious glimpses of his smile, the echo of his voice, and the grace with which he met every challenge. Together, their shared remembrance forms a tapestry woven with gratitude for having known and loved him, even as their hearts mourn his passing.

To honor Miguel’s memory, family and friends are invited to gather on June 29, 2026, at Graceland Mortuary, 4814 White Horse Rd, Greenville, SC 29611. The visitation will be held from noon to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The committal service will then follow from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m at Graceland Cemetery West, 4814 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611. These moments are meant not only to mourn Miguel’s departure but to celebrate the light he brought into the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.

As we bid farewell to Miguel Angel Santos-Escribano, we do so with deep gratitude for the rare and beautiful gift of his presence, however fleeting. May his memory be a source of comfort, his legacy a reminder of resilience, and his love an endless wellspring for those whose hearts he touched.