Joseph Santero

Our loving "Uncle Joe" has passed away. The last of his large family, he lived independently and active to the age of 97 years. He died at his home on March 4, 2014, a few miles from where he was born and raised. He was predeceased by his wife Clara (Stornetta) Santero and his daughter Kathie Jean Santero, along with his parents Bernardo and Giustina Santero. He was the last remaining of all his siblings, Nick Santero, John Santero, Mary Bianchi, Victoria Reichmuth, Pete Santero, Barney Santero, and Angelo Santero. Uncle Joe is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he held dear. The ones who regularly visited and helped enable him to remain living independently in his home, until the end of his life include, Debbie Matteri, Bob Belluomini, Gary Santero, Barry Santero, great nieces Maryann MacKay, Joleen MacKay, and great nephew Christopher Santero. Mr. Santero was a U.S. Army Artillery Veteran of WWII. Upon returning to his hometown after the war, he was employed as a butcher at Santa Rosa Poultry and also drove truck at his brother-in-laws produce box factory. Later in his life he was a custodian for Cotati Unified School District. He was much loved by teachers and students, and upon his retirement, after 21 years, the teachers and student body declared his last day at work "Joe Santero Day", honoring him with a crown, a gold painted push broom and a surprise retirement party. Uncle Joe was a quiet and most kind man who enjoyed working in his garden and giving the bounty to his family and friends to enjoy. His nephew had just rototilled his garden to ready it for spring planting just a few days before his death. Uncle Joe enjoyed occasional trips to the casino with his lifelong friends, watching sports on television, he especially loved the S.F. Giants, get-togethers with his extended family, and in his earlier years, traveling with his wife Clara. Uncle Joe lived a long, good, honest and full life. A life well lived. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his only surviving family of nieces and nephews, and all who had the honor and pleasure to know him. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 30, 2014, at 3:00 pm at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA.