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Philip Santonocito Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Philip Santonocito
Michael K McNamara, D.Sc.
October 15, 2024
Best music teacher in Martin Van Buren. The '60s were the best, and so was Mr Santonocito. R.I.P.
Linda Guagliardo
October 15, 2023
After all these years, I was in P.S. 109 in 1962. I remember Mr. Santos, wonderful teacher, wonderful person.
Michael K McNamara
October 15, 2022
One of the best music teachers ever
God Bless you
Susan Precht Poggioli
July 26, 2009
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Santo.
I still find it amazing that I this extremely shy wallflower found the strength to sing in front of a large group of people. Yet, Mr. Santo's exuberance and love of music made me want to join in on the fun. Not only was I in chorus in high school, but also in the madrigal chorus and the Queens Village community chorus, which I continued while in college.
His love of music will shine upon us from heaven forever.
Cathy Boyle Winkler
March 30, 2009
I was very saddened to hear of Mr Santo's passing. I was in his chorus in JHS 109 and I remember how happy I was to hear, when graduating, that he was moving to MVB (class of '71) as well. I was in his madrigal chorus, alumni chorus and the community chorus . When I think of high school my happiest memories are of singing in one of his choruses. If I were asked to describe the perfect teacher it would be a description of Mr Santo. He communicated a love of and enthusiasm for music the like of which I have never since experienced in any subject. He was extremely supportive. I was very shy in high school but Mr Santo had me doing a solo for a concert, my first. I regret that I was not in contact with him in later years and did not tell him what an effect he had on my life.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Linda Freeman-Guagliardo
January 24, 2009
I just found out about Mr. Santo's death. It really is amazing when I think about my school teachers Mr. Santos would always be the first person I would think of. I was in the J.H.S. 109 Glee Club from 1962 - 65. Until I started reading some of the other guest book entries I always thought I was the only one who couldn't sing a note and yet Mr. Santos never made me feel like less of a member. I use to feel so bad every time I tried to sing I felt like I was disappointing him, but he was always so nice a wonderful human being. I'm sure he's in Music Heaven
Nancy Wahlen (Morin)
November 18, 2008
I was in Mr. Santo's class for three years in JHS 109 in the mid 1960s.. I have two children, who are grown now, but on long car trips when they were younger, we would do sing-a-longs and my children would always ask how I knew the words to so many songs whether they be show tunes, popular classics, etc. I told them about the mimeographed sheets of song lyrics in binders Mr. Santo made us meticulously maintain and how I hated doing so at the time. It is only now that I can appreciate how much of an impact he had on my life and I am happy to say I wrote him a letter telling him just that about ten years ago. He replied, thanking me and saying he indeed did remember me from 109. Our concerts were always well attended and praised because we all strived to do our best to please Mr. Santo. Everyone usually has one teacher from childhood that they can say had a profound impact on their life...he was my "one", and to hundreds of others, as well.
Robert Schein
October 29, 2008
I was one of the originals of Mr. Santos program. He was an inspiration, and good friend.
The choir in heaven has a new conductor.
His spirit will live on.
God Bless You.
Elaine Chelton
October 28, 2008
Mr. Santo had a profound impact on my life. I was the accompanist of his community chorus for 10 years. He took me to Carnegie Hall to hear numerous artists and exposed me to the world of classical music. He was a most giving person, a superb listener and had a heart of gold. I will miss him dearly. Elaine Chelton
Leni Hochman
October 27, 2008
What a tribute, to have touched so many lives. Add me to the list of former students with fond memories of Mr. Santo. Singing in chorus was definitely the highlight of my time at MVB. Mr. Santo brought out the best in all of us. So sorry to hear of his passing and your loss.
Steven Van de Berghe
October 26, 2008
I remember Mr. Santo out of all my other teachers, I was one who used to cut classes but his talk to me helped me to change my outlook and finally graduate.
Terry Taylor
October 25, 2008
Dear Mr. Santonocito, Thank you so very much for your kind understanding and patience. I took piano lessons from Mr. Santonocito from 1900 - 1996. I always kept in touch and visited when I was back to Queens. Thanks for your friendship and your encouragement. I will always remember you.
Veronica (Kotz) Damore
October 24, 2008
I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Phil as a colleague and friend when we both worked at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Queens Village. Phil was a guidance counselor to the students and his care and love for them and his ministry was inspirational. He had such a great love for life and was always so upbeat. I hope he knows how much he meant to so many people. They don't make 'em like him anymore! Thank you for touching my life in such a special way, Phil; I miss you alot...
Glenn Siegel
October 23, 2008
Mr Santo was my teacher in JHS 109 and MVB from 1963-1968. I wish I could see him one more time to say how much you meant to me during those years. You elevated my spirit through music and the confidence you instilled in me. I feel lucky having known you.
Michael K. McNamara, Capt., USMM
October 23, 2008
Mr. Santonocito was my High School music teacher in 1966 and 67. I could listen to him play for hours. Mr Santo GOD has a golden piano waiting for you. All I ask of you is one thing, when it's my turn to pass through the Gates of Heaven would you play the music to McNamara's Band for me ?
Holly Klein
October 23, 2008
Mr Santonocito was truly an amazing teacher and an enormous human being. He allowed each one of us to participate and feel the beauty and magic of music. Our generation was the music generation. Rock on, Mr Santonocito. You have done that in each student you have touched.
Allison Cutler-Golden
October 23, 2008
G-d bless Mr. Santo & may he rest in peace. My condolences to his Family as a wonderful, sweet, caring gentleman has been lost. I had the pleasure of being in Mr. Santo's classes in both JHS 109 & Van Buren.
What an accomplished pianist and amazing teacher. Mr. Santo made our classes a learning experience that was both interesting and fun.
Thank you Mr. Santo, as I always have remembered you over the years. Allison Cutler-Golden.
Sandy Gendler
October 23, 2008
I remember Mr. Santo first at JHS109 and then at Martin Van Buren. He was one of the rarest of teachers, one who was able to transform knowledge into insight. Even as students we knew we were lucky to have him and spending time with him was a gift.
Nancy Nadrich
October 23, 2008
Mr. Santonocito was in the pantheon of great teachers. Everyone had the same obvious response to him: he was universally respected and adored. He's one of those unsung heroes in each generation that skillfully transmit knowledge and influence countless of young people in a virtuous, compassionate way. There are too few teachers like him; but where they exist they break the mold and redeem all that is unfortunately wrong with our educational system. How fortunate we were to be exposed to a man of such high caliber. God bless Philip for being in our lives and helping us all become better people.
Allan Tessler
October 23, 2008
I have really wonderful memories of Mr. Santo from JHS109. What an incredible passion he had for teaching, music and us kids. And what incredible patience to put up with the antics of 13 and 14 year olds. He knew how to bring out the best in us. May he rest in peace.
Helene (Lanie) Hildenbrand-Sussman
October 23, 2008
Mr. Santo gave me the joy of harmonizing with others, a sense that I had talent, a life-long love of music which I have passed on to my children and grandchildren, and a reason to love going to JHS 109 every day. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
Robert Koorse
October 23, 2008
"Mr Santonocito" was one of my music teachers at JHS 109. He had a way of conveying his enthusiasm for our achievements (not just in music) as well as our efforts and attempts. You could see this in his face, he seemed to be discovering something new, something he was searching for, each time we sang. His enthusiasm was boundless.
He took his role of teacher seriously, but gave us free rein to be ourselves. In this I believe he was ahead of his time.
Marty Laffer
October 22, 2008
In the early 1960's Mr. Santo exposed me to classical music by taking a group of us to concerts in the city. It was a whole new world. After auditioning for the glee club, Mr. Santo recognized my talent and put me in charge of lighting. I could never carry a tune. He was clearly in inspiration to numerous students over the many years of his dedicated teaching. I offer his family my sincere condolences.
Steve Laffer
October 22, 2008
Mr. Santo standing in front of the room behind the music stand or seated at the piano --slender, slight-framed, boundless energy and enthusiasm -- waving his arm, reaching for his always optomistic view of our ability to deliver a better performance. His kindness and generosity at allowing me to join the chorus when I could barely stay on key gave me an unfortunate, inflated sense of my musical ability. What a talented, delightful and inspiring man for all the students he taught.
Howie Mann
October 22, 2008
Mr. Santo. That is how everyone knew him. He made you feel as though you were special. I credit him with recognizing a latent talent I had and introducing singing and music into my life. It has made such a difference. I suppose that is why he was on this earth, to make a difference in our lives. Thank you Mr. Santo, I will always have you in my thoughts.
Laura Vukich-Genovese
October 22, 2008
Mr. Santo left behind a legecy of students that love and appreciate all types of music. He truly had a passion for both music and education. It was a pleasure to have been one of his students both in 109 and Van Buren. He was a household name in my home since my brother and sister also had the privilege of in his class. We sang our hearts out at every concert..because you believed in us. You will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing you.
Peter Raalf
October 22, 2008
I had Mr. Santo twice, first in JHS 109, and then again in MVB. Years later, as a physical therapist, I met him again ... it turned out that I was working with his cousin (I think ... along time ago) in Jamaica and one day he happened to be there visiting. Amazingly he remembered me! Good-bye Mr. Santo. You were caring and sensitive, and got a lot of us interested in music and what it represented ... and opened us up to what music could stand for in the world. You'll be missed.
Nan Lazarus-Kolko
October 22, 2008
Mr. Santonocito was the rarest of teachers- warm and caring, engaging, and passionate about his subject. He brought such joy to his students. As my music appreciation teacher at J.H.S. 109, he opened up the wide world of classical music to me. As my chorus director at Van Buren, he was inspirational and motivating.
My sincere condolences to his family. Know that Mr. Santonocito truly left his mark on the hundreds of us who walked through his classroom door.
gail hoffman-zaro
October 22, 2008
He was a wonderful man and teacher. He convinced me to sing in the choir and what an experience it was. He inspired me and brought out my shyness. I will never forget him. He was one of my few teachers that touched me tremendously. Rest in peace.
June Mace Armstrong
October 22, 2008
I had the honor of being a student of Mr. Santo's at MVB in the 60's and have very fond memories of those days. He touched the minds and hearts of many people through music...not just his students but the audiences we performed for through his teaching and guidance. I don't remember him ever raising his voice. We all just respected him for the great person he was. His family has my deepest sympathy as you have lost a great and gentle man.
Larry Bergenfeld
October 22, 2008
I was in Mr. Santos' after school glee club at JHS 109 and the last time I saw him was shortly after I graduated Van Buren in 68 when I was just walking around the neighborhood. I have always found myself remembering him from time to time and what a truly wonderful and genuine person he was to know. I am not surprised that he will always be remembered by the many lives he has touched and who had the pleasure to know him during his musical journey here on earth. I was saddened by the news and it brought tears to my eyes just to write this. I know you are in heaven and the angels will be singing just for you.
Andrea J. Lubatkin Richman
October 22, 2008
I am in tears to hear about your passing--you were truly a beloved gentle man. I was in your Junior High School 109 Chorus from 1959-1962. We were chosen one of the top three choruses in all of Queens that year! It was truly an honor to have been conducted by you! Then, the following year, when many of us attended the Van Buren Annex, you created a chorus (The Queens Village Community Chorus) just for us! We met once weekly in the Choral Music Room at Van Buren. I think you made every single one of us feel truly special.
Andrea Lubatkin Richman
Ronnie Ruderman (Laffer)
October 22, 2008
Very sad news. I remember Mr. Santonocito would take my brother, Marty Laffer, and friends camping. He always cared so much.
Bill Linet
October 22, 2008
Mr Santo was a wonderful, caring human being. He was my teacher in both JHS 109 and Van Buren. He was cognizant of my hearing loss which negated my participation in playing an instrument, but he made the theory of music interesting and fun for me. He was one of those rare people that touched so many lives and made a difference in this world. He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family.
Jodi Morrison-Raines
October 22, 2008
Mr Santo was a teacher that I never forgot. Always looked forward to going to his class. Maybe that's why I love to sing at Karaoke. You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Sam Robin
October 22, 2008
He was my high school music teacher at Martin Van Buren. I remember when he played West Side Story for the class. He was truly a gentlemen and he will be missed. My sympathies to his family.
Christine DeMartino (Rose)
October 22, 2008
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Santo's passing. He was my music teacher at Van Buren and although I had many teachers through the years, only a very few will be remembered with the love and admiration I have for this wonderful teacher and man. It was always a pleasure to see him around town from time to time and always with a smile and a kind word. We will miss you Sir, it was truly a pleasure knowing you.
Eileen McGovern Puerta
October 22, 2008
Mr. Santo opened my eyes and ears to the most beautiful music. He was so patient with many difficult students and I admired him as a teacher and pianist. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Nancy Manning-Schnur
October 22, 2008
Mr. Santo gave me the confidence to sing my best. I do remember how he would have me stand and harmonize with all the students. I guess my voice was better than I thought. We all remember him with fond memories and will miss him dearly
Rich Raskin
October 22, 2008
As the memories grow dimmer and dimmer, why do we recall our school teachers names. Mr Santo, I rememeber you well in 1964 as a 7th grader in JHS172. Still reading music and playing to this day. I never had the chance to thank you for opening up the door of music to me. Rest in peace..
Nancy Chiller Janow
October 22, 2008
I cherish my memories of Mr. Santo both at JHS 109 and Van Buren. He exposed me to music and ideas that I never would have experienced in my own family circle. Forty years after last seeing him, the notice of his leaving this earth brought instant tears to my eyes. Rest well, Sir, knowing that you touched so very many lives.
Karen French Conway
October 22, 2008
To Mr. Santo's Family:
Celebrate a life well lived. We (I'm taking the liberty of speaking for many of his former JHS and HS students) will cherish the memories he gave us, forever.
So glad I got to visit with Mr. Santo in October, 2007, just prior to Van Buren HS' Class of 1970's 37th Reunion. I thanked him for opening up my heart to classical music, particularly Mozart's "Requiem".
Your friends at R. Stutzmann & Sons Funeral Home
October 21, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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