Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Aug 16, 1946 – Jun 3, 2020 (Age 73)
Ronald Damon Santilli, D.D.S.
August 16, 1946 - June 03, 2020
A gentleman and a gentle man
Happily married to his beloved wife "Patty Ann" for 38 years with whom he enjoyed entertaining, traveling, biking, xc skiing, hiking, kayaking and beating her at canasta.
Ron loved all his Italian relatives especially his siblings Dr. Dennis (Judy), Dr. Robert (Gloria), Daryl (Vicki) and his dear sister Susan. He loved all his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews especially Mason and Rachel.
Known for his puns, jokes, quips and stories, he had the uncanny ability to remember a joke and slip it into the conversation all while entertaining his VA Hospital dental patients, MATC Dental Hygiene students and Marquette University School of Dentistry students and faculty.
He cherished his many, many friends especially Dr. William (Louise) Schuckit, Brent Gregory, Dr. Jay (Debbie) Mackman, Dr. Pete (Jodi) Colosimo, Dr. Scott (Kate) Lewis, and Dr. Michael (Rochelle) Layde, Bill (Lorraine) Buehler, Jim Nagle, Jim (Mary) Nugent and Chuck Henderson.
Known as Mr. Fix-It, he also knew how to relax at Marquette Theater, MSO concerts (always with his eyes closed), his Men's Book Club, Couples Book Club, Bible Study Group, Friday Night Faith Group, Gourmet Club, Jabberwocs, and lots of movies. He was the "Coupon King" of all shoppers here and there. And he couldn't pass up a Kopp's custard cone of chocolate and raspberry.
His generosity extended quietly to many people, groups and organizations. He was generous with his love, his actions and his thoughts and he was admired for his humility. He led a blessed life.
Predeceased by his loving parents Natalie and Michael Santilli, his "second mom" Aunt Ida and his oldest brother Dennis.
In Ron's honor please make a donation to your favorite charity.
A private family service will be held at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Celebration of Life at a later date.
Read MoreRon was a classmate of mine . He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Always upbeat, helpful, and fun . He took charge of our SHS reunions and is so missed as we work on our 60 th this year. Ron is missed by so many of us.
Marianne Arpe
June 04, 2024 | Mequon, WI | Classmate
What a exemplary human being we had in Dr. Ron Santilli! I was a counselor at Badger Boys State and he was a delegate from his high school and in my "city"; he called me afterward, and we became friends, and what a g-r-e-a-t friend, and Christian-life-living man he was, I'd guess that if we talked to his classmates, patients, MU colleagues and friends, we'd discover that he was BELOVED and ADMIRED by ALL! There's a saying that "The good die young" , , , and that's surely the sad truth...
David Swanson
June 02, 2024 | Other
I think of Ron from time to time, always warm pleasant thoughts. Grateful to have known him and shared years at Shorewood High.
Robin Cohn
April 22, 2023 | School
Remembering dear Ron on the anniversary of his passing. He was a classmate and a longtime wonderful friend- and he is certainly missed by many of us. Thinking of you today Pat.
Marianne Arpe
June 04, 2021 | Friend
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
Richard Taffet
August 01, 2020 | Rockville, MD
We were shocked to hear of Rons passing. Weve known Ron since the 1970s, when we both worked together in the U.S. Public Health Service Outpatient Clinic in Detroit. Ron was the most polite, patient (no pun intended), compassionate dentist and human being I have ever met in my 73 years on earth. Always had a smile and a joke, new or old, to tell us. He and Pat always remembered our birthdays etc. He always had a kind word for everyone. A true professional, but more importantly a true...
Richie & Sue Taffet
June 25, 2020 | Friend
I'm so missing my wonderful Uncle Ron. His kindness and sincerity and intelligence was soul deep, and his interest in sharing & discussing ideas on so many levels and topic is legendary for me. Though I'm profoundly sad he's no longer of this world, I'm grateful he was such an integral part of mine and my family.
Chris Santilli Johnson
June 13, 2020 | Family
Ron was one of the nicest people I have known. He truly was a blessing to all of us at MUSOD with his smile and kind manner in which he treated everyone. And his memory will certainly bring happy thoughts as we think of him and thank him for being in our lives.
Jeanne Hoppe
Jeanne Hoppe
June 11, 2020
Ron Santilli was one of a kind.The words to describe him always include kind, gentile funny and a friend to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. I have know Ron for over 60 years, through dental school and beyond. He was always there to help anyone and everyone who needed him.His sudden passing was heartbreaking to all who were fortunate to call him a friend. God has received one of the finest people I have ever known and welcomed a true Angel. Rest in peace my friend. Pete Colosimo
Peter Colosimo
June 11, 2020 | Mequon, WI | Friend
