Salvatore Robert Santaniello

Mystic - Salvatore Robert Santaniello, 82, of Mystic, passed away Monday, June 7, 2010, at the Apple Rehab of Mystic.

Sal was born in Providence, on May 21, 1928. He was the son of Gilda (Palmieri) and James Santaniello Sr.

He married Mary Mahar on May 7, 1955, in Providence.

He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from Manhattan College in New York City in 1950, and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

Sal began his employment at the Navy's Underwater Sound Laboratory (USN/USL) in 1951 and retired in 1986 from what was then renamed the Naval Underwater Systems Center. During his 35-year career, he made significant contributions to the field of underwater acoustics as both a researcher and scientific supervisor. He authored more than 50 publications on his technical studies as well as directing and guiding numerous environmental acoustic and sonar research and development programs. Both as a scientific project leader and a branch head, he was a nurturing and caring mentor to the many young scientists and engineers who worked with/or for him, successfully guiding and counseling many such that they went on to earn scientific career distinction in their own right. Upon his retirement, in recognition of the volume, originality, and quality of his technical accomplishments, he was presented with the laboratory's prestigious Decibel Award.

Following his retirement from civil service, he joined the Washington-based firm of Planning Systems, Inc. (PSI). At PSI, he continued to perform sonar research under contracts with the Navy for several more years, additionally serving as the manager of PSIs New London office.

Sal enjoyed coaching both Little League and Babe Ruth in Mystic, as well as Miss Softball America. His favorite interests included playing the piano, carpentry, vegetable gardening, and wine making. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Besides his wife, Mary, he is survived by his brother, V. James Santaniello; a sister, Margaret Iacono. He is also survived by his son, James Santaniello and his wife, Shelly, of Needham, Mass., and three daughters, Patricia Beffa-Negrini and her husband, David, of Nelson, N.H., Joanne Santaniello of Newport, R.I., and Karen Brender and her husband, Scott, of Kirkland, Wash. He is survived by six grandchildren, Shannon Kelly, Michael, Nicholas, and Kathryn Santaniello, and Samantha and Hanna Brender.

He was predeceased by a sister, Marie Bishop.

His family would like to thank all the caregivers, doctors, and nurses who have helped them and treated Sal with kindness and respect.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Connecticut, 403 N. Frontage Road, Waterford CT 06385, Beacon Hospice, 12 Roosevelt Ave., Mystic CT 06355; and/or the Joslin Diabetes Center at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, New London.

His family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Patrick Church, East Main St., Mystic, with burial following at St. Patrick Cemetery.

For further information, directions, or to share a note of remembrance/condolence with his family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com