John Daniel Santivasci Sr.

John Santivasci Obituary

John D. Santivasci Sr. VIRGINIA BEACH - John Daniel Santivasci Sr., 83, of the 600 block of Whitechapel Drive, a retired United States Navy commander and Naval flight officer, died Oct. 23, 2008. Cmdr. Santivasci was a decorated World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veteran receiving numerous awards and citations, including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with Two Stars, the Navy Occupation Service Medal and Korean Service Medal with One Star. In all, he received 13 medals and foreign government awards. He was also a Mustang, entering in the Navy as a sailor and retiring as a commander. After retiring, Cmdr. Santivasci was employed as a Naval intelligence specialist and worked under civilian contract with the Naval Intelligence Support Center until he fully retired in 1987 and was awarded the federal government Sustained Superior Performance Award. Cmdr. Santivasci was a native of Baltimore and resident of Virginia Beach for the past 58 years, where he was a Fourth Degree Member of the Father Nicholas J. Habets Council 4632 and St. Benedict Council 9056 of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Little Creek Amphibious Base Catholic Church since 1959 where he served as an extraordinary minister of Eucharist and usher coordinator. Cmdr. Santivasci is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor Santivasci; three sons, Charles Wayne of Virginia Beach, John Daniel Jr. of St. Leonard, Md., and Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Victor, U.S. Marine Corps; two brothers, Anthony of Texas and William H. of Alabama; best friend and "brother," Charles Ray; six grandsons, one granddaughter and five great-grandchildren. He was the loving son of the late Innocenzo Santivasci and Angelina (nee Schrilio) and dear brother of his late siblings, Leonard Santivasci, Mae Hadley, Victor Santivasci and Josephine Ferrais. A special "Thank You" to Dr. Scott Cross and his staff at Virginia Oncology, and the staff at Hospice who treated Cmdr. Santivasci with professional, loving and tender care. Burial with full military honors will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at 10:45 a.m. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 26, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Santivasci

6 Entries

Michael Santivasci

November 6, 2008

Dad,
To the man who taught me how to be a man, mostly by your example. I will miss you Dad but I am thankful to have had you as a father for 45yrs, something not everyone has in their life. You swore me into the Marine Corps and even re-enlisted me once at Parris Island. If you were still here you would be the one to retire me as well. But I know you will be attending in spirit and yes Dad, that Sailor who has been looking out for me all these yrs will be there as well. Thanks for being my Dad and loving me unconditionally.
Love your Son, Mike
Master Gunnery Sergeant of Marines

Barbara Bernard

October 27, 2008

Uncle Danny was my dad's uncle, but the biological relationship wasn't important. Our immediate family is small, so we spent time with extended family members when we could manage it. I've always loved visiting Nell and Danny whenever our family is in VA Beach. Danny was always so welcoming and loving. He always had a smile and a hug for you when you walked through the door. He was a wonderful man and I will miss him a great deal.

Len Santivasci

October 27, 2008

Uncle John and my father, his Brother, Leonard Santivasci, were the primary reason I joined the Navy and then continued on as a career.

For his unwaivering leadership, guidance and mentorship I am truly humbled and honored to be able to call him my Uncle. You will forever hold in a special place in my heart.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Uncle John --

p.s. Hug my Dad for me when you get to heaven !!!!

Kinter D Bernard, Jr.

October 27, 2008

A life well-spent. We'll miss him.

Michael & Raymond Santivasci

October 26, 2008

Grandaddy we will miss you. When you see Nanu, tell her we said hi. Don't worry about grandmom because Dad is taking care of her.

Yvelisse Santivasci

October 26, 2008

John Santivasci (Dan) was my father-in-law for over 22 years. Dad, as I called him from the day I married my husband, was one of the most loving, gentle souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He always had a smile, a hug, and a kiss for me and our boys. He had a way of making you feel like he had known you all of your life. It was by watching him throughout the years that I learned what forgiveness was really all about. He never, ever held a grudge and loved with all his soul. He was a good man, husband, father and grandaddy. My husband, Mike, always told me that his father was his hero. Our boys loved their grandaddy and remember him with the same twinkle in their eyes that grandaddy had in his. Dad, I thank you for the gift of my husband, whom you entrusted to me 22 years ago on the day we married. It was through this gift that we were blessed with 2 wonderful boys. In heaven God angels are rejoicing because they know they got a special one in Dad. Rest in peace and know that you will always be remembered. I love you Dad and will miss you everyday.

Lisa

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