On Sunday, January 3, 2021, Ralph A. Santora, Jr. 63, of North Haven passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was a Captain for the New Haven Fire Department, retiring after completing 26 years. He is the loving husband of 44 years to Mary Ann Candido Santora, cherished father of Jennifer Forslund, Deputy Fire Marshal NHFD, (Christopher Forslund NHFD), Jessica Santora (Kendall Fisher) and Jeana Santora. Mentor and grandfather to Ajane Santora-Fyne (E.J. Levenberry), Brianna Forslund, Elijah Ellis, Ty Ellis, Laniyah McCrea and Chawn Santora. Loving brother to Susan Landisio, Michelle Abbagnaro (Anthony) and Denise Blanchard (Kenneth). Devoted Uncle to Anna Lynn Monroe (Matt), Vincent Landisio (Erin), Alexandria Abbagnaro, Isabella and Gabriella Blanchard. Great Uncle (Wally Pop) to Emma and Ethan Monroe. Ralph was born in Augusta, Georgia on July 26th, 1957 to the late Ralph A. and Anita Guglielmo Santora. He enjoyed coaching his grandson’s baseball team, his family was his everything and he loved them all unconditionally. Ralph’s family would like to thank Dr. Stacey Stein and the entire staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital; we are forever grateful for the precious gift of time you gave to our family.
The visiting hours will be Thursday, Jan. 7th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Friday, Jan. 8th at 12 Noon to attend a Mass of Christian burial (no more than 100 people allowed in church) and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. (masks and social distancing strictly required for all services) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Closer to Free Fund, Smilow, c/o Yale New Haven Hospital, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. Due to Covid 19 a celebration of his life will take place in July.
Our condolences to family or friends may he rest in peace he was such a great person amen🙏❤️
Our hearts are broken.
With much love – Nancy & Hope.
Prayers and thoughts for you Jen and the entire family. From what I remember your father was a tough but soft hearted family man who would do anything to protect his 3 girls. Now that he has found peace the world will desperately miss having such a great man.
Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with the family of Ralph at this time. We are very sorry for your loss and the loss to all of us. Everyone loved Ralph. Words cannot express our heart felt sorrow.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann (Passariello) and Tommy Malinconico
Florida
My heart goes out to you all!!! I remember when he helped my dad in the yard. And what great help he was when he had the tragic accident he was a great comfort to my family. He was like family… No one would ever replace our special down to earth neighbor. Sending my condolence to the Entire Family. With much Love … Ursula with Family “Agnes & Stanley”
I grew up with with the Santora family, Michelle and I lived at each others home. Ralph was like a big brother growing up. I am saddened to hear of his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.
Mary Ann,Jen and family
I was saddened to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was a true gentleman and will be missed.
Sincerely
Cathy Coppola
It was a pleasure and honor to have known Ralph. At the Fire house, softball game or social event he always had a smile and a warm hello since I was a kid. He will be remembered and missed
To Jen and you whole family, our condolences to you all.
Deepest condolences to Marian and the entire Santora family. My heart goes out to you’ll and I pray that God will comfort you in your time of need. I was there when Ralph walked into Dixwell Station for his first day of duty and spent many years working with him and moving through the ranks of our department. We shared countless close experiences together on and off the job. I came to know Ralph to be a honest, fair, reliable, smart, competent and a compassionate firefighter. It is my honor to call myself his friend and to have served With him! His WIZdom will live forever!
Anthony Calloway
West Battalion Chief (ret.)
Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of Ralph. May the memories you have of him bring you some comfort during this difficult time.
To Jen, Maryann & family members. I am heart broken 💔 for everyone’s loss. Ralph was such a great guy and loved his family unconditionally. I will miss our fun conversations about the love we shared for the New York Yankees. Ralph is at peace now and reunited with his parents. Gone too soon, but, never to be forgotten. Love you all.
Marie Natalino ❤🙏❤
Michel, Denise and Family,
Our condolences are with you in this time. Continued prayers for your family
So sorry for your loss The Lawler
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. May the Lord comfort and heal you at this time. Sincerely, Diane
Our deepest condolences to Mary Ann and the entire Santora family. We all have a loss in our lives, but I for one will remember the good times. Ralph was a good friend and a great firefighter. He will always be in my heart and in my memories.
Ran into Ralph at Dunkin Donuts a few years back, hadn’t seen him since high school. Still a great guy who clearly adored his life, especially his children. He was so proud of all of you, it did my heart good. I’m so sorry for your loss, keep your memories close and speak of him often – he won’t be far.
Offering our deepest sympathy ..Sincerely, The Richard A Kordorsky Family🙏🙏
Jen and Chris I am very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I loved this man. Ralph was an awesome firefighter and an all around great guy. I enjoyed our adventures that we encountered together on the squad (well…most if them).
I’m sorry I was unable to attend services. I am currently dealing with a death in my family as well.
Condolences to the Santora family
I love this man. Ralph was an awesome firefighter and an all around great guy. It was a pleasure working with him on the Squad.
I was unable to attend services do to a death in my family.
Condolences to the Santora family.
To Santora Family: My deepest condolences to you and your family. I respected Ralph as a friend and a fellow firefighter. We will never forget. Sincerely, John M. Carrano