Donald Santo's Obituary
Donald Patrick Santo (aka Dad, Donny, Uncle Don, and Captain Don)--devoted husband, exemplary father, beloved uncle and friend–was the warm, lively, kindhearted center of gravity in the life of his family. He could love one way only–unconditionally. Nothing gave him more pleasure and a bigger sense of purpose than to be able to help someone he cared about. He was the consummate helper who would often be the first to step up and help his closest family and friends. Born on September 17, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, Donald was the youngest of the five children of Virginia (née Sipe) and Louis Santonastaso. As a child, he loved going to the movies to watch cartoons for five cents and was very good at drawing. He is a graduate of Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, New York, where he enjoyed architectural drafting. Donald served proudly in the United States Army in Germany from 1960 to 1962 and was honorably discharged. He married Modesta Laurella on May 28, 1967. Their son, Michael, was born on September 15, 1973. Donald worked for United Parcel Service for over 20 years and as an Industrial Hygienist for almost 20 years, mainly for the New York City School Construction Authority. In the latter role, he worked dutifully to guide the massive clean-up of Ground Zero, starting on-site there immediately following the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks. Donald relocated with his wife to Clearwater, Florida in 2004 where they were surrounded by family and friends. Donald was predeceased by his beloved wife in 2020 and is survived by his son, as well as by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephew, who will all cherish his memory and miss him greatly. He passed away at the age of 84 in his home with family present in Clearwater on January 6, 2026.
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