Michael Joseph Santorelli

1951 - 2026

Michael Joseph Santorelli
03/20/1951 - 01/19/2026
Michael Joseph Santorelli, 74, of Midland, TX was called home to heaven on January 19, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Michael was born on March 20, 1951, in Syracuse, NY, to Michael and Margaret Santorelli. He grew up in the Catholic Church, and continued his faith and service to the Church his entire life. He attended Henninger High School, where he graduated in 1968. He went on to attend Onondaga Community College, Berkley College of Music, and Murry State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. He received his Master's Degree in Trumpet Performance at the University of Louisville in 1975, where he met his former wife, Shari. They married in 1978 and were together 42 years.
After graduation, Michael performed as Principal Trumpet in Guadalajara, Mexico with various orchestras. He performed in Mexico for over eight years with many organizations including the Chamber Orchestra of the Northwest. He also performed as a soloist for the Autonoma Orchestra, and the Guadalajara Symphony. He returned to the United States in 1984 and became Co-Principal trumpet of the West Texas Symphony (formerly Midland Odessa Symphony and Choral). In March of 1998, Michael was invited to tour Italy with the St. Ann's Choir of Midland, performing at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of the Trinity in Florence, and as a soloist in a public concert for the City of Rome at St. Ignatius Church. Michael also performed at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and Riverside Cathedral in New York City for the American Choral Directors Convention in 2004. In 2009, Michael was invited to perform at the University of Pennsylvania at West Chester's Annual International Trumpet Festival as a featured soloist. He was invited back to the West Chester Festival in February 2016, was Adjunct Instructor of Trumpet at Midland College since 1984, and was the Adjunct Instructor of Trumpet at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin since 2011. He also performed as Principal Trumpet with the Big Spring Symphony and was featured as a soloist with the West Texas Symphony, San Angelo Symphany, and Big Spring Symphony. He also appeared as a soloist with bands of Midland College and Odessa College, until he retired in 2018. Upon retiring from the West Texas Symphony, his chair was permanently endowed.
Michael made a very large impact on the students he taught, along with the community he served. He was the Band Director at Midland Trinity School from 1999-2016. The Santorelli Band Hall stands as a reminder of his dedication to his students. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Margaret Santorelli; brother David Santorelli; aunt Clara Santorelli; and uncles; Johnny Medvecko and Neil Santorelli.
Michael is survived by his children; Rachel Santorelli, Jessica Massey, and husband Waylon, Michael N. Santorelli; his former wife, Shari Santorelli; grandchildren, Emmalyn Massey, Loralyn Massey, Jocelyn Massey and Dustin Massey; brother Alex Santorelli and wife Sheri; sister, Claire Mills and husband Dennis, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A public visitation will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4-8pm, with a Rosary at 7pm, in the Ellis-Resthaven Chapel, 4616 N. Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 1906 W. Texas Avenue, Midland, Texas, 79701, with committal to follow at Ellis-Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N. Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask for contributions directed to Midland Trinity School, Department of Fine Arts, or the charity of your choice.