John Santivasci Sr.

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.