William Santora

Santora, William L.
William Leonard Santora, 79, lifelong resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on the afternoon of Monday, April, 21, 2014. Born May 6, 1934 to the late Leonard William and Anna (Gugliemo) Santora, Billy was a loyal son, a loving husband, father and uncle, and an extremely proud grandfather and great grandfather. He was affectionately known to his loved ones as Billy, Uncle Billy and Poppy. Billy grew up on the east side of Stamford, attended Stamford public schools and graduated from Stamford High School with the class of 1952 - where he was voted as the class "Beau Brummell" for his dapper style and love of fine clothing. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. After his time in the service, Billy returned home and courted the love of his life, Maryanne Cognetta. Billy and Maryanne were married in 1957, and wasted no time in making their home and starting a family. Together with his father, Leonard W. Santora (Lenny, Ned, Narde), he owned and operated Santora Land Maintenance, Inc. for over 30 years. Following his early retirement due to long term health concerns, Billy continued working by indulging himself in his love of floral design and began working part time as an arranger at Springdale Florist. What began as part time work evolved into a full time passion and Billy was blessed with many good years working alongside people he loved, doing what he was uniquely qualified to do. Anyone who knew Billy knew him to be a vibrant, charismatic and talented man. Although he lacked a formal education and training in the arts, he was an extraordinarily gifted individual. He was a true artist, a master floral designer, and he possessed a keen, critical eye for design of any kind. He had an innate sense of style and flair, and wasn't shy about sharing his design expertise and opinions. He'll always be remembered for; his generosity, his laughter, his love, his crying at the drop of a hat, his inappropriate sense of humor, his vodka gimlets, his love of white rice (and his habit of eating it too fast and choking), his love of music and dancing with his wife, his expertise in anything that grew out of the Earth, and his love for his entire extended family. Growing up as an only child, Billy always felt blessed to have married into the Cognetta clan and being part of a large, robust family. He cherished the family clambakes hosted at his Westover Road home, the many family reunions and life events, the games of canasta, and the love and laughter he shared with his entire family. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years; Maryanne Cognetta Santora, who served as his rock throughout his life, and was his selfless care taker at the end. He also leaves behind his loving children; Anne M. Santora, Patti and Gene Griffiths, Beth Watters, Lee and Luci Santora, his surrogate son, Robert Karpinski, his nine grandchildren; Krista Ritter, Justin Griffiths, Alex and Joe Mish, Cailin, Sophie and Tommy Watters, Billy, Maddie and Lucy Santora, and his great granddaughter, Tessa Michael Ritter. Billy is also survived by his "brother" and sister-in-law, Joe and Mona Cognetta, sister-in-law, Irene Cognetta, "brother", Conrad Kramer, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends whom he loved without condition, especially his two special angels; Sara and Ellie Vitti. Billy was preceded in death by his brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws; Michael Cognetta (Rose), Jeff Cognetta, Frank Cognetta, Sr. (Tillie) and Nick Cognetta, Sr. (Naida), his nephews; Pasquale Cognetta, Joseph Cognetta, Jr., Pasquale Cognetta and Jack Dazzo, and his dear friend, Charles Redfield. The Santora family will receive the sympathy and condolences of friends and family, TODAY, Wednesday, April 23rd from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, in Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 24th at 10 a.m. at St. Maurice R.C. Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, in Stamford. The Rev. Fr. Bert Pinciaro will officiate. A committal service and entombment will take place immediately after mass at St. George's Mausoleum at Woodland Cemetery, 66 Woodland Place, in Stamford. The Santora family would like to thank all the doctors who provided excellent care to Bill over the years, especially Dr. Mark Heiman and Dr. Shara Israel, and to the fine people at Masoniccare Home Health and Hospice for their compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Billy's memory for the medical care of Riley Perna to the Umbrella Club of Stamford, P.O. Box 112238, Stamford, CT 06911-2238. The Santora family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, in Stamford. If you'd like to leave an online condolence message for the family you may sign the guestbook on www.bosakfuneralhome.com or visit the funeral home on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome.