Carmelo, known to his beloved family and friends as "Melo", passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully during a nap just two months shy of his 41st birthday. He was a wonderful son, loving brother and amazing friend! Born and raised in the heart of Chicago, he had made Tampa FL his forever home for the last 20+ years. He was in love with beach life and Florida sunshine, but always represented his city roots! He is survived by his mother, Carmen M. Carrero and father, Carmelo Santana as well as his siblings in birth order; sisters, Carmen Nieves, Nicole Davis, Enjoli Pantoja and brothers, Jonathan Santana and Xavier Santana alongside stepmother, Angelic Santana and stepbrother, Manuel Valderrama.

Carmelo shared his life and a home with partner, Michael Peddycoart and their fur baby, Lacey whom he called “stinky butt”. He lived a full life, a fun life; a genuinely happy life! Carmelo did not have children; instead he was the best uncle ever to several that he deeply adored! His nephews are; Noel, Rolando Jr, David Jr, Anthony, Douglas II, Israel, and Jordan. His nieces are; Alyssa, Janelis, Angel Aleah and Mia.

Carmelo’s passion for life and music (which he attributed to his favorite uncle, Sami) are two things that will continue to live on. He loved being surrounded by family, friends and his most favorite place to be was at the beach! Carmelo had a huge social circle and was known for his ability to be a peacemaker and bring about a positive vibe! Carmelo changed his life. He proved the point that you can do something better, different, greater; if you want to! He was very dedicated to his job and lived by the rule; work hard, play hard! He treated everyone well, he was almost too forgiving, he was also daring and even a bit mischievous; but he was at a place in his life where he was free to be himself! Carmelo was an accepting human with a heart of gold. He could always be counted on and was always there when you really needed him. He left the earth without an enemy, he had made peace with everyone and lived free of regret and he was very proud of that. He loved his mother unconditionally; he called her his “queen”. He loved his whole family, his father, his cousins, his aunts and uncles, sisters, brothers, his friends and ohhh just ask anyone how much he loved babies! Carmelo was a perfectly imperfect soul that left us way too soon.

Carmelo has left an imprint on all who knew him in some way and he will be remembered and loved forever. Charming, funny, horrible at texting back, confident, cool, a spoiled brat, handsome, a prankster; that was our Melo. We now honor his life and memory.