Andrew J. Santacroce

SANTACROCE, Andrew J. Andrew J. Santacroce, 78, of Farmington, beloved husband of Barbara (Jungherr) Santacroce, died Tuesday (May 22, 2007) at Bristol Hospital, after a long battle with lung cancer. He was born May 21, 1929 in New Haven, son of the late Benjamin and Carmella (Gambardella) Santacroce. Mr. Santacroce had served with the U.S Navy for five years with an honorable discharge. He was the manager of the first McDonald's in New England which opened in Hamden in 1957. He officially became an owner-operator of a McDonald's in Unionville in 1974 and currently operated six franchises in the Greater Bristol area. He recently celebrated 50 years of service with McDonald's. He enjoyed his family, his boat and traveling. He was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Unionville. Besides his wife, Barbara, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Keith and Veronica Santacroce of New Britain, Candice and Jim Becktel of Barkhamsted, Gretchen and Fred Cacace of Newark, DE, Carla and Jim Bridgewater of Unionville, Drew and Ann Santacroce of Bristol, Terri and Carl Arsenault of Wallingford, and Arne Misenti of Willimantic. He was predeceased by a daughter, Judith Misenti. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matt, Joey, Joan, David, Tony, Alicia, Lindsey, Kyle, and Tessa; his brothers, Alphonse "Jug" Santacroce and Francis "Corky" Santacroce both of East Haven; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, 9 am., at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Unionville. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 5-9 p.m. at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, 501 George St., New Haven, CT 06511.