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Jerry "Coach" Santorsa, 71, passed away Sunday, July 8, at home after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife, the former Diane Naughton Brozzetti.
Born Aug. 17, 1946, in Scranton, he was the son of the late Gerard Vito Santorsa and Mary Gaffney Santosa. He was a graduate of Holy Rosary High School class of 1964 and was the proud business owner of Pinebrook Service Center and Jerry's Auto Service in Scranton for over 40 years. His passion for automobiles expanded beyond his profession, as a collector of antique cars and an avid motorcycle rider. Jerry was also well known for racing his 1964 Plymouth and has over 30 stock car eliminations between Island Dragway, Great Meadows, N.J., and Numidia Raceway, Bloomsburg.
Jerry was also a talented softball player and coach, playing senior softball until the age of 68. He was a founding member of the Northeast Stars, the first girls' fastpitch travel softball team in the area and later went on to coach them to an ASF state championship. Over the years, he also coached girls' softball at Mid Valley High School, Penn State Worthington and Lackawanna College.
The family would like to thank Dr. Susan Slovin and staff at the Memorial Sloan Kettering, as well as Dr. Chris Peters, Dr. Martin Hyzinski, Dr. Michael Alocci, VNA Hospice and George Marcinkevich for a lifetime of support and friendship.
Also surviving are his mother, Mary Santosa, Scranton; a daughter, Debbie (Jim) Hopkins, North Carolina; two sons, Jerry Santorsa and Michael Santorsa, Scranton; stepdaughter Dina (Michael) Manci, Dalton; four grandchildren, Jamie Hopkins, North Carolina; Michael (Taylor) Santorsa, Florida; Aidan Santorsa, Scranton; Lucy Manci, Dalton; three sisters, Joann Santorsa, Scranton; Marilyn (Pete) Graziano, Moscow; Patti (Doug) Carter, Lancaster; and a brother, Robert (Mary Alice) Santorsa, Dickson City; mother-in-law, Eileen Naughton, Scranton; sisters-in-law, Nancy Dolan, Scranton; Sharon (Bob) Calzola, Moscow; Kathleen (Darrell) Faux, Falls; Eileen (Mike) Anneman, Scranton; Maureen (John) Marcinko, Scranton; and brothers-in-law, John Naughton, Tunkhannock; Thomas (Melissa) Naughton, Connecticut; and Brian Naughton, Philadelphia; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerard Santorsa; brother-in-law, Frank Naughton; and stepson, James Brozzetti.
The funeral will be Wednesday from the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton, with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Mary, Mother of God Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 316 William St. Everyone attending the funeral is kindly asked to proceed directly to church. Interment will follow in Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.
Friends and family may pay their respects Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James Brozzetti Memorial Scholarship Foundation at 102 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512; or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at giving.mskcc.org.
Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Jerry at Clifford Motors in the early 1970's.
I remember the Super Wedge very well. Jerry was a very friendly guy and always helpful as I was a rookie in the shop back then.
RIP
John Does not matter
July 14, 2018
Sending love and prayers to the Santorsa Family. Jerry was always ready with a joke and a smile. I hold dear memories of coming to see my cousin in the summertime as a kid. He will be missed.
Lisa Lavelle
July 12, 2018
To the Santorsa Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you at this time.
Ann & Jerry Valonis & Family
July 11, 2018
Dear Diane and family
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Jerry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Maria Wharton and Family
July 10, 2018
So sorry to hear about Jerry. He was a loyal customer of mine at the Glider Diner and was a pleasure to serve. He also coached my daughters at Penn State and the North East Stars. Great guy with a wonderful sense of humor.
Virginia Flynn
Virginia Flynn
July 10, 2018
Please accept my most sincere condolences....
Joe Pivovarnik
July 10, 2018
He will be greatly missed in this world.
Karen Lisle
July 10, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't tell you how much influence Jerry had on my girls. They loved being coached by him. Our whole family has nothing but wonderful memories when our girls were in the Stars. Sorry he is gone too soon. A wonderful man.
Jim and Mary Ellen Ferraro
July 9, 2018
Dear Diane & Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. We know he was a wonderful man and we are sure you and your family will miss him deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please know we are thinking about you.
Patricia & Randy Xenakis
Bradenton, FL
July 9, 2018
Dear Diane and family,
Robert and I are so very sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
Maureen Flynn
July 9, 2018
Heartfelt condolences are extended to the Santorasa family on their recent loss. May your many cherished memories of Jerry bring gifts of peace, comfort and a few smiles in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy...
VNA Hospice and Home Health
July 9, 2018
The Best of the Best! Mark & I will treasure our beautiful friendship, all the wonderful dinners & great laughs together. Diane, you are blessed with Two beautiful Angel's, they will guide you through life. We love you both. Mark & Teresa Cordelli
Mark Cordelli
July 9, 2018
Diane & Family:
Very sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good friend and will be missed. Our prayers are with the family. R.I.P. my friend.
Steve
Steve & Jeannette Szakal
July 9, 2018
R.I.P. Jerry, Olds racin' pal at the Lodge
walter lechowski
July 9, 2018
I've known you a very long time. My heart breaks to see everything I've ever known changing like it has the past few years. You were a great friend of my Dad's most of his life. You will surely be missed. Rest In Peace after the long battle you fought.
May peace be with Jerry's family as they go through this very hard time. I'm so very sorry Diane. You and Jerry were there for us when my Dad passed and we will never forget it.
Denise Wesley / Dandrea
July 9, 2018
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