Raquel Santiago-Martinez Obituary

Raquel Santiago-Martinez, 68, beloved wife and best friend of George Martinez, went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Raquel was born in Manhattan, NY, the daughter of Jose Felipe Santiago and the late Paulita Santiago, and was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, and a tireless advocate for her community.

Raquel's professional life was defined by her expertise in economic development, finance, and project management. She held leadership roles at New Haven Savings Bank and Fleet Bank and served as the Director of Lending for the Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund. Later, she joined the Community Renewal Team in Hartford and served as the Director of Operations and Administration for the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund. A lifelong learner, Raquel held a BSW in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University, attended Columbia University, and earned her MBA in Marketing and Strategic Planning from the NYU Stern School of Business. She shared her knowledge with the next generation as an instructor of Entrepreneurial Finance and Organizational Management at Quinnipiac University's Lender School of Business.

Inspired by her parents' legacy of giving, Raquel's civic contributions were vast. She was a founding and Lifetime Member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), serving in numerous national and local leadership roles, including National Eastern Region Vice-Chair and co-Chair of the Women's Leadership Network and as the Treasurer of ASPIRA New York. In her home community of Hamden, she served as the PTO President of Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, a Hamden Inland Wetlands Commissioner, and a member of the mayoral transition team, and one of her favorite things to do was judge the capstone projects at Sport & Medical Sciences Academy where her brother-in-law, William taught. Her extensive board service also included the New Haven Scholarship Fund and the Progreso Latino Fund.

Raquel's dedication earned her numerous accolades, including the NSHMBA Brillante Award for Member Service, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the United Way of New York Linkages Volunteerism Award. She was selected as one of LUPA's 50 Most Influential Latinos in Connecticut and received the ACES Parent Advocate Award. As a RFK Public Policy Institute Fellow and Leadership New York alumna, Raquel was a frequent keynote speaker and presenter. She was featured in publications such as Latina Style and presented business solutions for diminishing resources at the Community Action Partnership Annual Convention.

Beyond her many professional milestones, Raquel will be remembered for the vibrant spirit she brought into every room. She was a woman of profound generosity, always looking for ways to uplift those around her, and her quick wit and infectious humor could brighten the most difficult days. Her passion for life was matched only by her unwavering commitment to her faith and her deep, unconditional love for her family. This devotion was most evident in her quietest moments, and every Sunday, without fail, she could be found visiting her father at the nursing home. Her spiritual journey began with deep roots in the church, and she remained an active and faithful member throughout her life, living out the values she held dear.

Raquel was very proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and passed that love on to her family. She taught her children to love Puerto Rico; its fight, art, food, and history. Raquel filled her home with culture and pride and insisted they knew where they came from. She was independent and fierce, and her hard work ethic and drive inspired her family to be the best they could be every day.

She may have been petite, but anyone who knew her would attest, Raquel was 4'11" of pure concentrated spirit. She possessed an incredible amount of spunk and was a powerhouse of energy who never backed down from a challenge and truly fought for every inch. Raquel's legacy of service, brilliance, and joy remains an inspiration to all who knew her.

In addition to her husband, George, and father, Jose, she leaves to celebrate her life, her children, Ariel Martinez (Abby), Tasha Martinez, and Michael Martinez (Beth); grandchildren, Destiny, Violet, and Ruby; her sisters, Dennisse Santiago-Rivera (William), Cristina Santiago-Arroyo (Jorge), and Yazmin Benitez (Jeff); nephews, William (Sherisa) and Noah; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Besides her mother, Paulita, she was predeceased by her son, Anthony Martinez.

Her family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, 9-11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life, 11 a.m., at Faith Tabernacle Church, 110 Utopia Rd., Manchester.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the Santiago Martinez Family Fund with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. See link below.