Ralph A. Santora, 79, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of 55 years to the late Anita Guglielmo Santora. Ralph was born in New Haven on April 20, 1935; son of the late Ralph and Concetta DeMaggio Santora. Ralph served his country faithfully in the US Army; worked for the City of New Haven Housing Authority and Redevelopment Agency until his retirement. In his retirement he worked as a voting machine technician for the City of New Haven. He was actively involved with the New Haven Historical Society and enjoyed antiquing. Ralph’s greatest joy was his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Father of NHFD Ret. Capt. Ralph (Mary Ann) Santora, Jr., Susan Landisio, Michelle (Anthony) Abbagnaro and NHPD Ret. Assistant Chief Denise (NHPD Lt. Kenneth) Blanchard. Grandfather of NHFD Firefighter Jennifer (NHFD Firefighter Chris) Forslund, Jessica & Jeana Santora, Anna-Lynn (Matthew) Monroe & Vincent Peter Landisio III (fiancé Erin Maratea), Alexandria Rose Abbagnaro, Isabella Nicole and Gabriella Marie Blanchard. Great-grandfather of Ajane’ Santora Fyne, Brianna Forslund, Elijah & Ty Ellis, Laniyah McCrea & Emma Sandra Monroe. Brother of Marion DeMaio and the late Michael Santora. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank his caregivers for the exceptional care shown to him along his journey, especially Dr. Lorenzo Galante.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue,Tuesday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church at 11:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Monday from 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd. Branford, CT 06405.
To Ralph's loving family…I loved him, too. They don't make them like that anymore.
Nancy
We are truly sorry for your loss . please know that we will keep you and your family in our prayer's
Jeana Santora is a dear friend of mine and I want to offer my deepest sympathies to her, and all of her family during this time of loss. She spoke so fondly of her Grandfather and I know he will be sincerely missed by her and her children, especially. May he be at peace and rest at home with the Lord . My condolences and sympathies to the Santora family.
Respectfully,
Alli Sorrentino Barden
I'm deeply saddened by the passing of your father may God lay his gentle hand upon him and take him to his kingdom
We are so sorry for your loss, our hearts and prayers are with you all.
My Condolences to the family and my great grand child you know he went home to a better place no more sorrow no more pain May is soul rest in peace
We are so sorry for your loss. He was like my second Dad. I have so many fond memories of both your mom and dad throughout the years. He had so much love in his heart for his family and friends. May God give you, his family and friends, strength during this difficult time. -Angela Perillo & Family
Dear Santora Family,
I'm so very sorry to hear that your dad has passed. I have such fond memories of him when we were children. My favorite one is that in the winter he would carry his hose across the street to Chathem Park and flood it for us so that we could skate. Loved him for that.
My deepest condolences to all.
So sorry for your loss, our hearts and prayers are with you all.
To the entire Santore Family
I am so sorry about the loss of your dad he was a awesome father grandfather and great grandfather he was so proud of all of you the closeness you all shared was beautiful. Hold on to all your memories and cherish them.
Love always Cathy Marak
My dear friends my heart is saddened to hear of your loss! Many prayers and much love is being sent your way. I have so many fond memories of your dad's smiling face. My deepest condolences to all.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers to the Santora family on the passing of your dear, kind Father, grandfather & great-grandfather. Fran & Greg
To the Santora Family, We are all so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He was definitely the most kind, loving, caring, and sweet man that we have ever known. We have such wonderful memories of him and our family gatherings. Always a smile on his face, laughter, and kind words to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this intensely difficult time.
You will be dearly missed, my Uncle and Godfather, for all his family this is truly a loss for us. Now he and Auntie Anita will rest in peace together forever.
We pray that your heart and soul will find comfort during this difficult time. Please accept our condolences. May God's Grace give you strength and peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family ralph. You were not only a great neighbor to us for a lot of years but someone who we always looked forward to seeing. Your family is strong and will get through this difficult time. Very sorry for your loss of a great man, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. We will miss you Ralph.
Michelle, Anthony and Alexandria
we were so sorry to hear about your dads passing. we cannot express our condolences at the wake as Andy is sick with bronchitis.
you are in our prayers.
andy & fran calabrese
Long time friends will always be remembered. My deepest sympathy to the lovely Santora family.
Sue, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Some one had once told me that I might never forget the grief, but I would also never forget the wonderful memories. Those you can keep close to your heart. I'm sorry I was not able to attend, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kathy Dooley
To the loved ones of "Big Pop".
I am so sorry for your loss. The many times I was in Ralph's company, he was always fun to talk to and the most kind, gentle person I ever met. I am sorry I was not able to make the wake or funeral. My heart goes out to everyone. It is never easy to lose the glue that keeps a family together. Rest in peach, pop. We will all miss you.
Love you all,
Marie
Dear Ralph and Family ~
So sorry to hear of your father's recent passing. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family and sending our most sincere wishes of sympathy for your loss.
Richard and Carol Santora, East Haven, CT