A 78-year-old Rochester man, a longtime musician who was beloved in Rochester’s Puerto Rican community, was stabbed to death Wednesday afternoon, according to the Rochester Police Department.
Investigator Frank Camp said Pedro Santiago Sr. was pronounced dead Wednesday afternoon. Officers were called to 14 Nester St. around 3:15 p.m. and found Santiago bleeding while lying in the front doorway. He died at the scene, Camp said.
Officers are investigating his death as a homicide, the city’s third of 2020, and said his death appeared to be an isolated incident.
Jose Sanchez, 30, of Rochester, was charged with second-degree murder, a felony, in connection with Santiago’s death, Camp announced Friday morning.
According to Ibero-American Action League, Santiago was considered a Latino pioneer in Rochester.
Santiago had an incredible sense of humor, a contagious smile, was a talented songwriter, singer, guitarist and dancer who fiercely loved his Puerto Rican culture, according to his friends and family.
Rose Mary Villarrubia-Izzo of Rochester, who has known Santiago since she was a young girl, described her late friend as a caring man and talented musician who was always there for others. He was also a huge flirt.
Villarrubia-Izzo said it was “an honor to have known him and more importantly to receive his love.” She said his death “is a true loss to the entire community.”
In his youth, he was a member of La Tuna de Cayey musical group, was a co-founder of Los Rosarios de Cruz de Mayo in Rochester and known as one of the members of El Trio Los Arpegios. He recently received a lifetime achievement award for his commitment to the arts.
“We are better off as a community as a result of his dedication to our music, tradition and culture,” said Orlando Ortiz, president of the annual Puerto Rican Festival of Rochester. “His passion for Puerto Rican music was evident throughout many, many different parts of the Rochester community.”
“Our Latino community grieves this immense and tragic loss,” Ibero said in a Facebook post.
— DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE