Santos Victor Acuña

Santos Victor Acuña, known to many as Francisco, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on June 16, 1938, in Tranqueras, Rivera, Uruguay, Santos lived a life defined by resilience, humor, and deep devotion to his family.

Santos was the beloved husband of Carmela Acuña, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He was a devoted father to Gustavo Acuña and his wife Lisa, who he had a very special relationship with, and to his daughter Gabriela Mata, who preceded him in death. Santos is also survived by Gabriela’s husband, Carlos Mata, and Carlos’s wife Cindy. He was the cherished son of Roman Acuña and Octavia Acuña, both of whom shaped the values he carried throughout his life.

A proud grandfather, Santos leaves behind Alexander Acuña and his wife Katelyn, Marco Mata, and Mateo Mata, each of whom brought him immense joy. His family and friends will forever remember his sharp sense of humor and the captivating stories he told of his youth in Uruguay — especially his years working as a Gaucho on ranches across the countryside. His tales were more than memories; they were gifts he passed down to the next generation.

Santos fought a courageous battle with heart, kidney, and lung issues for more than six years. Through every challenge, he remained strong, loving, and steadfast — a reflection of the same grit he carried as a young ranch hand riding across the Uruguayan plains.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2026. A Visitation will begin at 10AM, followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at 11AM, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - 15663 Norbeck Blvd Silver Spring, MD 20906.

A reception will follow immediately after the Mass at the 1st Floor Community Room, 3005 South Leisure World Blvd, Silver Spring MD 20906. The family warmly invites all who knew Santos to join them in honoring his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, a cause meaningful to the family: Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

Santos lived with a quiet strength and a generous heart. He taught his family that joy can be found in simple moments — a shared meal, a good story, a warm laugh. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the love he gave freely. Though he has left this world, the imprint of his life remains in every person he touched. May he rest in peace, and may his stories continue to ride on the wind like the Gaucho he once was.