June 10, 1950 - August 23, 2020

Alex M. Santana died unexpectedly from underlying health conditions due to diabetes on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at his Colorado River house in Needles, CA. He was born in Woodlake, CA in the San Joaquin Valley of Tulare County. His parents, Leo and Amelia Santana were migrant farm workers for the Sunkist Growers in Visalia. Alex graduated from Montebello High School in 1968 and continued his education at East Los Angeles College and transferred to Occidental College in Eagle Rock on a full baseball scholarship. Alex was a gifted athlete and the starting catcher for the Oxy baseball team. Upon graduation from Occidental College in 1973, with dual degrees in both Political Science and Physical Education, and a minor in Psychology, Alex began his teaching career for the Montebello Unified School, whereby he taught middle school at Montebello Intermediate, Eastmont Intermediate and Bell Gardens Intermediate. He was always drawn to work with at-risk students who were experiencing problems with their behavior, academics and family life. During the last 25 years of his career he was Project Intervene teacher/coordinator for students affiliated with the gang culture within the Montebello Unified School District.
In addition to his parents, Alex, is predeceased by his brothers, Raymond (who died at 9 months of age), Tommy, Leonard, Fernando, Gilbert, Jerry and his sister Betty. He is survived by his wife Melodie, whom he was married to for over 38 years and his three children, Michelle Guzman (John), Anthony Santana (Priscilla), Andrew Santana and five grandchildren, Tony, Madelyn, Jacob, Annelise and Riley. Alex will always be remembered as a smiling, generous person, who loved his family and friends, and of course, betting horses at the Santa Anita Race Track.
Rest in Peace, Alex, you will always remain in our hearts!