Oscar Rudijer Tuazon Santiano

October 10, 1950 - February 9, 2026

Oscar Rudijer “Rudi” Tuazon Santiano was born on October 10, 1950, in Manila, Philippines and passed peacefully surrounded by family on February 9, 2026, in Buffalo, New York.

Rudi is survived by his wife, Betty (née Yu), his children, Christine Hafke (Robert) and Jon; his grandchildren, Lucius and Scarlett and his siblings, Evangelina (Danilo), Carlina (Rafael), Evelina (General Philip), Romeo (Maria Lourdes), Aurora, Esperanza (Cesar), Jesus (Charito), and Therese. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Eva Santiano.

Rudi was a beacon of joy and generosity to many during his 75 years on Earth. He was deeply loved by his children, nieces and nephews, as well as countless relatives, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

Rudi was the eldest of his nine siblings, who lovingly referred to him as “Kuya” (older brother in Tagalog). He embraced his role as the eldest and always took care of every member of the family to the best of his ability. He was known for being responsible and generous, even from a young age when growing up in Manila. This became his identity and what he became known for and carried on throughout his life.

On December 18, 1977, he married Betty, and from that time, he provided a safe and loving environment for his family to thrive. He served as a second father to his nieces and nephews who they named, “Daddy Rudi”. He was generous with his time and with his treasure and always provided a warm and fun environment for his immediate and extended family.

To his colleagues, "Mr. Santiano" was always a source of wisdom and encouragement, constantly driving people to be the best version of themselves. He brought this culture of responsibility and self-improvement from his days as an accounting major at Far Eastern University, where he also served as a professor, through his tenures as a finance and accounting executive for several companies, including Philippine Communication Satellite Company and the Philippine Journal, and as the proprietor of Something Sweet Bakeshop. However, his favorite titles will always be husband, father, grandfather, kuya and friend.

After concluding his professional career, he immigrated to the United States with his wife and children. In his retirement, he remained active in his faith and in the Church, continued as the wise kuya to his siblings and cousins, and embraced the role of grandfather with gusto.

Everybody Rudi crossed paths with was captivated by his bright smile and even brighter demeanor. He had a knack for correctly assessing situations, never failing to lighten the mood or provide gravitas as the circumstance required.

Those wishing to pay respects may do so during a viewing on Thursday, February 19, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lombardo Funeral Home, located at 3060 Abbott Road, Orchard Park, New York 14127. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 20 at 10:00 AM at St. John XXIII Church, located at 1 Arcade Street, West Seneca, New York 14224.