James R. Santos

James R. Santos, 78, of Exchange Road, West Warwick, RI, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by his family at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Born on September 8, 1947, in West Warwick, he was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Morgan) Santos. They shared thirty‑three years of marriage. He was the son of the late Manuel and Belmira (Sutil) Santos.

James served the Town of West Warwick with dedication as a detective inspector for the West Warwick Police Department for twenty‑four years before retiring in 1994. Following his retirement, he continued working in public safety as a security officer for Johnson & Wales University. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War.

He was a member of the Portuguese American Sports Club and the Fraternal Order of Police, West Warwick. James enjoyed spending time with his family, riding his Harley‑Davidson, fishing, traveling, and playing cards with his fellow officers. He took great pride in his Portuguese heritage and looked forward each year to the Labor Day weekend festivities. He also loved listening to and playing music.

In addition to his wife, Kathleen, he is survived by his children Angel Santos, Kenneth Gallucci (Samantha), Kara Molavi (Nabi), and James Santos (Kristy); his grandchildren Kyanna, Jennica, Jaiden, Avianna, Milanna, Khloe, Avery, Owen, and Kennedy, his first born daughters Lisa Catone (Ed) and Jamie Blake (Jim) eight grandchildren, two great grandchild, his siblings Richard Santos (Barbara), Robert Santos (Tracey), Mary Jane Santos and a sister in law Mani Santos and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Santos, his brother‑in‑law William Morgan, and his mother‑in‑law Alice Morgan.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:00 am from the Gorton–Menard Funeral Home, 721 Washington Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, 1 Sunset Avenue, West Warwick, at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Greenwich, RI.

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.gortonmenardfuneralhome.com.