We Mourn Work Train Operator Santiago Tapia, 47; Passes from Heart Disease

On April 23rd RTO lost work train operator Santiago Tapia, at the age of 47. According to his wife Joanne, his death was not due to COVID-19, but rather heart disease. He had 6 years with NYCT. A private funeral took place on May 2. Brother Tapia leaves his wife, Joanne, and three children, 6, 13, and 22. He was born in Manhattan, raised in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, and resided in Brooklyn at the time of his passing.

His union Brothers and Sisters remember him as someone who lighted up a room when he came in. He was a talented visual artist who once did an internship at Marvel Comics, his wife said. She added that he loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and play along with the TV show Jeopardy! He was also athletic, enjoyed softball, fishing, and going to the beach. She said he was "a man who loved his children," and that he "wasn't an ordinary guy, he was always reaching higher. He was everything to me." His wife described their marriage as "a Superman and Wonder Woman duo."

RTO Vice President Eric Loegel said that Brother Tapia's passing "is a sad loss for the TWU family. Brother Tapia was a larger than life figure and a one of a kind personality. He will be greatly missed by his Brothers and Sisters, the work train unit, and everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace.

An obituary provided by the family can be read here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/brooklyn-ny/santiago-tapia-9152796