Seymour—Joseph M. Santiso Jr. peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday January 16, 2021 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT with his sons by his side. Joseph was predeceased by Kathryn, his loving wife of 67 years in April of 2019.
Joseph was born on June 3, 1927 in Archbald, PA. He was the oldest of the10 children blessed to Joseph M. Santiso Sr. and Yolanda Vagnarelli Santiso who came to the US from Europe. Joseph met his wife Kathryn in Scranton, PA in 1950, married in May of 1952 and relocated to Connecticut soon after. He was employed by the then United Aircraft Company, Sikorsky Aircraft where he worked until 1991. Joseph and Kathryn were both parishioners of the Church of the Good Shepard in Seymour since its inception.
Joseph was a World War II active duty Navy Veteran and was an active member for over 30 years with the American Legion, Emil Senger Post 10, in Seymour, CT. He served for a time as a Junior Vice-Commander, member of the Honor Guard Firing Squad, and member of the Bicentennial Flag Team. Joseph was an enthusiastic sportsman and sports fan. He enjoyed hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. He was gifted with a natural talent in many sports including baseball and league bowling in which he participated in earlier days. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He enjoyed attending UConn Men’s and Women’s basketball games with his wife and his very close friends. He remained extremely active until September of this past year enjoying landscaping and maintaining his property as well as the property of a neighboring church. Joseph also took pride in decorating his yard for Christmas every year. When asked for the secret of his high energy and longevity during his senior years, his answer would always be “you must keep moving”. Although sports were his passion, his greatest love was for all people. He absolutely loved when his neighbors and friends would stop by for a visit. He touched the hearts of many during his 93 years. He frequently was seen proudly wearing his WWII Veteran cap in public and was honored when many kind people would approach him to shake his hand and “thank him for his service”.
Joseph is survived by his sons Garry (Susan) of Southbury, Joseph III (Huoy) of Oxford, and grandchildren Garry Jr. of Naugatuck, Randi (Stephen) Mantz of Bethlehem, and Jonathan of Oxford. Joseph was recently blessed with a wonderful great-grandson Warren Mantz, who immediately became Joseph’s greatest object of affection. Joseph is also survived by his sisters Dolores (Ed) Reilly of West Chester, PA, Lillian (Gerald) Getz of Lake Ariel, PA, Joan (James) Kearney of Sterling, PA, and brother Louis (Carol) Santiso of Hamlin, PA. He also leaves many beloved nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces who adore him.
In addition to his wife and parents, Joseph was preceded in death by brothers Peter, Daniel, Anthony, and Thomas Santiso, and his sister Gloria Brooks.
The family would like to thank all of Joseph’s dear friends and neighbors who would always lend a hand when needed and would frequently visit. The family would also like to thank the Seymour American Legion Post 10 and also the Town of Seymour for arranging the 2020 Memorial Day drive-by parade that honored Joseph’s WWII service. This assemblance of so many town officials, firemen, policemen, and volunteers was especially meaningful to Joseph and his family. Additionally the family would like to thank Joseph’s outstanding and compassionate doctors who helped him through, as well as the staff at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT for their exceptional care, comfort, and support provided to Joseph and his family during his final days.
Visitation is Wednesday January 20, 2021 from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home at 235 Main Street North, Southbury, CT.
Due to the pandemic, a private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. The family plans to schedule a church service and celebration of Joseph’s life at a later date when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:
American Legion,
Emil Senger Post 10
37 Bank Street
Seymour, CT 06483
Below is a link if you would like to virtually attend the graveside services. If logging in from a mobile device you may need to download the ZOOM app first.
Topic: Joseph M. Santiso Jr.
Time: Jan 21, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4510622404?pwd=TG50d05xRTNGQ0JEeEN4NXFTQldvUT09
Meeting ID: 451 062 2404
Passcode: 1wdS0S
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