Charlton: Dr. John G. Santos, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 10th, at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge.

He leaves his wife of 6 years, Yan Xing Huang; his two sons, John "Jay" Santos and his wife Kate Santos of Seattle, Washington and Kenneth "Kip" Santos of Vancouver, Canada; his two sisters, Diane Pelton and her husband Steve of Arizona and Janice Stephens and her husband Jamie of New Hampshire; and his granddaughter, Siena Santos and multiple nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Santos.  He was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, the son of the late Joseph and Ruth (McCrory) Santos.

John attended Billerica High School, served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and was a proud graduate of Northern Essex Community College.  He went on to earn his Bachelors from Amherst College, a Masters from University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a PhD in Education from Boston College.

Despite all his formal schooling, John's true passion was outdoor education.  He initially taught elementary school in Hardwick, Massachusetts for 2 years then in 1973, John founded Nature's Classroom Inc., a residential environmental education program that gives students an opportunity to explore education outside the walls of the classroom. From its origins in Potters Place, New Hampshire, it grew to as many as 14 locations across New England and New York and spawned similar programs locally and as far away as Ohio and Alabama, but has its heart in Charlton, Massachusetts. Nature's Classroom has educated over 1 million students and this past May celebrated its 50th anniversary with over 300 former staff, students, and families reuniting in Charlton.  It was one of his proudest days.  He often said he never wanted to retire, and he never did.

John moved to a farm in Charlton with his then wife Mary Whitehead Santos in 1977 where they raised their two sons along with innumerable chickens, ducks, cows, and horses.  He traveled extensively throughout his life and visited all seven continents.  John swam almost daily at the Southbridge YMCA where he was well-known to staff and fellow members.  He was active in the Central Massachusetts ballroom dance community, participating in dances right until his passing.  He attended services at Charlton Federated Church and volunteered often.  Recently, he enjoyed serving as a substitute teacher in Charlton and loved spending time with his 10 month-old granddaughter.  He told basically everyone how much he enjoyed playing with her in the pool.

Calling hours for John will be held on Sunday, July 23rd, from 2:00 to 5:00pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a service to follow in the funeral home at 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nature's Classroom Inc. via naturesclassroom.org under Ways to Support or by mail to 19 Harrington Rd. Charlton, MA 01507. Nature's Classroom - Donations (PayPal)

Live Streaming of Dr. John Santos' Funeral Service on Sunday, July 23rd, at 5:00pm - Please click on link below

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7129488242