John De SANTO

John De Santo of Newport Drive died of natural causes, Sunday, February 27 at his home in Lake Havusu City, AZ. He was 91 years of age.John De Santo married the former Lucy Boracci in 1937 in New York City and they celebrated fifty-two (52) years together. Mr. De Santo was a decorated World War II US Navy veteran who saw action in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Astoria and was witness to the signing of the Japanese surrender on the USS Battleship Missouri in August 1945. After the war he worked in the aerospace industry with Republic Aviation and retired from Grumman Aerospace.In the early 1960's Mr. De Santo was elected councilman and in 1973 elected of Mayor of New Hyde Park, New York. After retirement, with his wife Lucy, Mr. De Santo moved to Foster City, California and he began a second career with the San Francisco 49er football organization. Most people knew of Mr. De Santo's affiliation with the 49ers because of his 49er helmet mailbox in front of his home.His interest in service to his community was manifested through his long-time affiliations with Lions Club International, The Sons of Italy, The Knights of Columbus and The Elks Club. Youth programs were his greatest love and was a founder of the Little League Baseball program in New Hyde Park. He was honored with a Life Time Achievement award from the Lions Club International, named Foster City Citizen Of The Year and rose to the level of Fourth Degree with the Knights of Columbus. As a widower, Mr. De Santo married Rosalie Pellerito and they have enjoyed fifteen golden years together in Lake Havasu City. Az. He was a wonderful friend and companion to Rosalie.Joanna Pryor remembers her step-father as a "kind and gentle soul, who lived a full and exciting life." He loved Lake Havasu and was thrilled to be part of the community. John loved to dance; he was always "dressed to kill." He was very active in Our Lady Of The Lake Roman Catholic Church, and was devoted to his religion.Justina Pellerito loved her step-father and was very happy to have the opportunity to spend time with him. "John was a very proud man, good looking, and a great dresser." John loved his family with all of his heart. John is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie Pellerito De Santo; son John De Santo Jr., and daughter-in-law, Margaret Mary of Allentown, Pa., daughter Sharon Ma and son-in-law, Ronald Ma of Foster City, Calif., grandchildren Elizabeth Inman (Greg), Catherine De Santo, Christopher Lyle (Carrie), Jason Ma, and Jonathan Lyle; great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Gianna, Connor, and Daniel. His sister Lillian De Santo Ricci of Massapequa, New York survives her brother, and loving brother-in-law to Gilda and Andy Brizzi, loving uncle to Joann Anthony (Michael) Louis Ricci (Lee) Larry Ricci, Jillann Brizzi, Barbara Brizzi, Lori Brizzi, Walter Boracci, Anita Duffy (Scott), and Linda Boracci;step-father to Peter Pellerito (Lisa), Justina Pellerito, Joanna Pryor (Mark), Rosalie Siecwicz (Andy), John Pellerito (Pam), and Sam Pellerito (Sue);step-grandchildren, Jennifer Powers and husband Carson, Lia Stein, Elizabeth Stein, Roger Kaleugher, Jon Kaleugher, Angelica Siecwicz, Jamie Siecwicz, Samantha Siecwicz, Sam Pellerito, Billie Pellerito, Nicole Pellerito, Carrisa Pellerito, John Pellerito Jr., Michele Pellerito, Maria Pellerito, Cora Pellerito, Jordan Pellerito and Taylor Pellerito. He also leaves six step-great-grandchildren. John's love for his grand dogs was passionate; he adored Howie and Dukey, and, he leaves behind Chase, Hooch, Bodie, Jazz, Jefferson, Junior and Duke.A rosary will be said on Friday, March 4th, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Of The Lake Roman Catholic Church with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ; 86405 and St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN. 38105.Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.

John De SANTO

February 27, 2005