David R. Santacroce

David R. Santacroce, 58, of Pawcatuck, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Yale New Haven Hospital.
He was born in New London on June 26, 1948, the son of Rudolph and Rita McLaughlin Santacroce. He was a graduate of St. Bernard's High School, Class of 1966, received his Bachelor's Degree from Bentley College in Waltham, Mass. in 1970 and completed his education with his MBA from the University of New Haven in 1981. He married Kathleen Bergin at Saint Mary's Church in Waltham, Mass. on Sept. 10, 1971. They settled here and raised their family.
In addition to his wife of 35 years, he is survived by their three daughters, Abigail Rita Santacroce, Kristine Bergin Santacroce and Caitlin Mary Santacroce, all of Pawcatuck. He is also survived by one brother, John Santacroce of Groton, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.
Dave's working career spanned several different endeavors. He worked for a time at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, and later owned and operated Penny's Doughnuts in Pawcatuck for several years. In most recent years he made his living buying and selling nautical goods of all types. He was a family man who loved spending time with his three daughters. A lifelong resident of this area, he loved being near the ocean and all that it has to offer such as boating and fishing. At home he enjoyed cooking and baking. He loved his dogs that were a part of the family through the years. He took up woodcarving for a time, and liked taking photos.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Pawcatuck. Burial will follow in Stonington Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may also call at Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic on Tuesday afternoon and evening from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers his family wishes memorial contributions be considered for the David R. Santacroce Memorial Scholarship, c/o Roberta Kinney, Chelsea Groton Bank, 116 West Broad St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379. This college scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who is a graduate of both St. Michael School and Stonington High School.
The Santacroce family also invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com for obituary information, directions and an online memorial register to leave a note of condolence.