Deceased July 10, 2023
View alumni profile (log in required)
Read obituary
IN MEMORY
Dr. John Santos of Charlton, Mass., passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2023, at the age of 79. He leaves behind his two sons, Jay Santos ’01 of Seattle and Kip Santos of Vancouver, and his granddaughter, Siena.
The summer edition of Amherst magazine was the first time John had submitted an update. He was so proud to share news about Nature’s Classroom and welcoming his first grandchild.
Prior to Amherst, John served in the U.S. Navy and attended Northern Essex Community College, where there is now a Dr. John G. Santos Environmental Education Scholarship in his honor.
John was a nontraditional student, but Amherst unlocked in him a passion for learning and creativity that would fuel him throughout life. He went on to earn his master’s from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Ph.D. in education from Boston College.
Despite his degrees, John believed that the formal education system was not ideal for many students. That was the motivation for John to create Nature’s Classroom Inc. The residential environmental education program gives students an opportunity to explore education outside the walls of the classroom and has educated more than 1 million students. This past May, Nature’s Classroom celebrated its 50th anniversary with more than 300 former staff and their families reuniting in Charlton. It was one of John’s proudest days.
Though he traveled extensively throughout his life and visited all seven continents, he didn’t forget Amherst. He often made it to the Amherst vs. Williams game each year. He swam almost daily and was active in the ballroom dance community, participating in dances right until his passing. John’s last few days were spent in happiness with his 10-month-old granddaughter, playing with her in the pool, pushing her on the swings and feeding her a lobster roll.
Jay Santos ’01