Carlos Roberto Aponte Santiago

Carlos Roberto Aponte Santiago, 67, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed peacefully with his Angel at his bedside on May 15, 2022 at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis after a long battle of pulmonary fibrosis following a lung transplant. Carlos fought valiantly to stay with us his family and friends.

Carlos Roberto was born on April 20th, 1955 at District Hospital in Ponce, Puerto Rico. His was the 11th child of Luz Esther Santiago and Justo Aponte.

He graduated from High School in Ponce, P.R in 1972 and then attended the Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree In Nursing, Class of 1979 December. Following graduation he moved to New Orleans and worked as a Register Nurse in PACU at Oshner Hospital 1980 to 1981. In 1981 he returned to Puerto Rico to fulfill his government obligation for college working at Centro Medico de Mayaguez from 1981 to 1983. In 1983 he returned to New Orleans and was employed at VA Hospital in the MICU 1983 to 1986.

In 1983 Carlos Roberto met the love of his life, Angel Manuel Diaz, also a Register Nurse at the VA Hospital in New Orleans. On May 19th 1985 they celebrated their commitment ceremony in San Juan Puerto Rico. Carlos and Angel have shared their lives together for 39 years.

In 1986 the couple moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to join the Pan Am games 1987. Carlos transfer to Roudebush VA Hospital here in Indiana. He started in MICU for short time then SICU until his retirement in March 2013, after 30 years served with the VA Hospitals both in New Orleans and Indiana.

Carlos Roberto leaves his life partner Angel Manual Diaz from Aibonito Puerto Rico, his sister, Nancy Y. Aponte and husband Fernando of Puerto Rico, brother, Harry W. Aponte and wife Carmen E. From Maryland, and sister, Virgen M. and  husband Domingo from Puerto Rico. Carlos Roberto also leaves 12 nieces and 20 nephews- multiple great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Victor Manuel Aponte, and his wife Nellie  and sister, Luz Catalina,  and her husband Victor Cruz,  and by sister Dora E. Aponte, who passed at 7 years old following a fall and brother Justo E. Aponte and wife Catalina and  brother, Luis A.  Aponte.

Carlos Roberto was an animal lover. He leaves Guru Guru, his Blue Russian cat. Other adored pets that have passed before Carlos Roberto are Lolly his pride and joy a Maltesepoo, Bruno a Maltese, Chelsea a Siberian Husky and Grace a Blue Russian.

Carlos Roberto also rescued a family of cats that he has cherished. They lived outside on the deck with heated homes in the winter with 24 hours a day food and water. They are: momma Ebony- now departed- Midnight, Tiger, departed, Foxy, Smokey and new member Blondie.

Carlos Roberto was an avid gardener, handy man, cook, costume designer, artist and he also loved to help out with family and friend’s wedding, niece’s quinceanera and with Angel's cake decorations.

Carlos Roberto will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a wonderful man who left too soon. He was a competent nurse who gave all of himself to his patients. He was full of love and compassion for all. He will give the shirt of his back even to a total stranger. The biggest gold heart so full. A man of great faith from childhood on. Carlos Roberto as a young child found comfort and joy attending mass quite frequently. He loved Blessed Mother. He adorned religious statues and nativity scene.

A private funeral services will be held at A.R.N Funeral and Crematory Services. 11411 N Michigan Rd Zionsville, IN on Tuesday May 16th, 2022 at 1:00pm.