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David Santogrossi Obituary
LAFAYETTE, Ind. - David Anthony Santogrossi, 63, of Lafayette, Indiana, died January 28, 2010, at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis from complications of multiple myeloma.
David was born on January 17, 1947, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Fred and Dorine Santogrossi.
David was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Judith. He is survived by 2 brothers: Fred of Houston and John (Jane) of Atlanta; 3 sisters, Mary (Richard Mah), Janice (David Carroll), both of Los Alamos, New Mexico and Patricia (Joseph Delasko) of Houston; 5 nieces, Melina Collins, Emily Tippetts, Stephanie Spier, Emma Carroll, and Anna Carroll; numerous cousins; and countless friends, students, and clients.
He was an alumnus of the University of Illinois in psychology and received a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1973.
Dr. Santogrossi was associate professor of clinical psychology and associate dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Purdue University. He earned Teacher of the Year and other honors during his 37-year tenure at Purdue. He was a founding member of the Purdue Teaching Academy and was an inaugural listing in the Purdue Book of Great Teachers.
David was a talented and enthusiastic musician who provided percussion for Lafayette Civic Theater and other community theater and musical groups. At the Civic, he was frequently part of the set-building crew and often the Master Carpenter of the set. He donated his spare time to bring music to convalescent centers and retirement homes. He traveled far and wide to sit on the other side of the lights, too. He enjoyed Broadway plays, all manner of music in concert, and drum and bugle corps competitions.
A visitation will be held at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, February 6. www.soller-baker.com. (765) 474-1111.
For her devotion to David, his family wishes to give special thanks to Beth Richardson, David's friend.
Those who want to send wishes to David's family may address them to Mary Mah, P.O. Box 1290, Los Alamos, NM 87544.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of David Santogrossi may be directed to College of Liberal Arts David Santogrossi Honors Program Scholarships or to the Fred and Dorine Santogrossi Study Abroad Scholarship in Psychology. In either case, checks payable to the Purdue Foundation should be mailed to Purdue College of Liberal Arts Development Office, 100 N. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Santogrossi
Sponsored by Carolee McGill-Barker.
Tony Lennen
February 12, 2010
To the Santogrossi family:
On a total whim, I just Googled Dr. Santogrossi and was shocked to learn that he recently passed away. I was one of his students in the 70's, and he was one of my favorite teachers. I ended up being one of his and Dr. Baron's research assistants, and I loved both of them.
Isn't it true that Dr. Santogrossi was the original drummer for the group that ultimately became Blue Oyster Cult? I am so sorry for your loss. Had I known about this, I would have driven up to Lafayette for his viewing.
My condolences.
Tony Lennen
Purdue '79
[email protected]
Diane Boissevain
February 10, 2010
Mary, Janice, Tricia, Fred & All,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time of grief and sorrow. May God's love and all the beautiful memories you have of David help to make the good times better and the bad times more bearable. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Diane
Mike Jones
February 4, 2010
John, Janice, and family,
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your brother, David. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
rosemarie hutchcraft
February 4, 2010
I am a former classmates of Fred, Davids brother. I wish to extend my condolences to Fred and his family.
Sincerely, Rosemarie Brunk Hutchcraft
Bob Morgan
February 4, 2010
Tricia and Family, I am so sorry to hear of David's passing.
I remember David as being quite the drummer among
his many other talents.I am sure he will be missed by
all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with
you and family.
Bob Morgan
February 3, 2010
To the family of Dr. David Santogrossi: I am so sorry about the loss of David.
I was a graduate student of David's in the early 1990s. He was my mentor, my advisor, and later, my friend. I first became interested in psychology because of a young, vibrant professor, who shared stories of his visits to China, his potty-training escapades, etc. I looked so forward to going to my Abnormal Psychology class. He was truly an amazing and gifted teacher.
As a clinical psychology graduate student, I was so very impressed with the time and energy he devoted to his research team. He supported each of us without fail. While other graduate students expressed upset about major advisors, I remember being grateful for David's compassionate mentoring. He spent hours reading and re-reading drafts (ask any of his former graduate students, and I'm sure they'll recall David's generous use of the red pen!). I never doubted that he had my best interests at heart, that he was trying to coach me along professionally, or that he was on my side.
I am so saddened that David is gone. He gave so much of himself to others. I feel very blessed to have been one of those on the receiving end.
I will miss him so much. I will remember you, his family, in my thoughts and prayers.
Shari Stembel
Clinical Psychologist
Purdue graduate 1995
Lynda Kovarik
February 3, 2010
Tricia and family,
So very saddened about your loss of David. What a wonderful legacy he leaves for all. Please extend my sympathy to the family. David has earned his eternal reward in Heaven.
Love and prayers,
Mary Ann White-Tharp
February 3, 2010
Dear Family,
I was saddened to hear of David's passing. He fought the valiant fight. I last spoke to him some years ago when he visited his mother at Villa East where I worked as a nurse. He was always interesting and pleasant. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Amy Pruitt-Sidener
February 3, 2010
Dear Melina and Santogrossi Family:
Our hearts ache for your family in the loss of David. We always enjoyed visiting with him and hearing of all of his interesting stories and adventures. He was truly a joy to be around and know. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. God speed comfort to all of you during this difficult time. Our love to you, as well. Amy & Ryan
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