Stephen J. Santoro

(Asbury Park Press)

STEPHEN J. SANTORO
LAKEWOOD
Stephen J. Santoro, of Lakewood, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, at home. Steve was born Dec. 23, 1923 in Newark and was a graduate of Barringer High School. A proud veteran of World War II, Steve served overseas for more than three years with the U.S. Army as an anti-aircraft gunner and later with the U.S. Army Band. He owned a furniture upholstery business for many years, having learned the trade on the G.I. Bill, and also worked as the head custodian for the Caldwell Public School district, but he was best known for his passion for music. Spanning a professional performing arts career of over 70 years, Steve mastered seven woodwind instruments and his saxophone skills were well-known in professional music circles throughout the region. He periodically traveled around the country with numerous professional bands, including the Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, James Moody, and Les and Larry Elgart Bands, and the Sammy Kay Orchestra. He performed for a variety of headline artists in Catskill, N.Y. resorts; was a house band member for the Ed Sullivan Show; a band member for the original Broadway show "Cabaret"; appeared and performed in the movie "Annie," and played on the cruise ship Mississippi Queen. Mr. Santoro was also regular band member and VIP guest in many jazz and big-band nightclubs in and around the NJ/NY metropolitan area. His career allowed him to work in bands that backed up great artists such as Count Basie, Dizzie Gillespie, Liza Minnelli, Buddy Rich, and Mel Torme. Locally, Steve performed in the Lakewood Jazz Ensemble; the Joe Racina band; OTIS, an R&B soul band; and with the Lakewood Municipal Orchestra and the Ocean County String Band. Mr. Santoro enjoyed working on any gig that involved local band leader and beloved surrogate son, Wilbur Whitman. Mr. Santoro was a business agent for Musicians Union Local 16 in Newark and was a proud member for more than six decades. He was well-known for fearlessly fighting for the rights of unionized musicians and especially, for demanding equal pay and accommodations for artists who were victims of racial discrimination. Mr. Santoro was a lifetime member of the Brick V.F.W. and a volunteer firefighter for the Caldwell Fire Department. Steve loved eating broccoli rabe at Carrabbas restaurant, deep sea fishing, crabbing and playing poker.
Mr. Santoro is predeceased by his parents, Gabrielle and Gisella Santoro (nee Gentilucci); his sister, Josephine; his first wife, Regina (nee Zarro); his oldest son, Stephen Jr.; step-son, Ronald; and dogs, Barney and Skipper. Stephen leaves behind and will be sadly missed by a large and loving family, including his devoted wife, Josephine Santoro (nee Russo); daughter, Diane Picciuto; son, Rick Santoro (Kimberly); daughter-in-law, Patty Santoro; and grandchildren, Jennifer (Jon), Brittany, Michael and Lucien; stepchildren, Barbara Wainwright, Anna Russo, and Joseph Russo (Mary Ellen); step-grandchildren, Robert, Scott (Rhonda), Jessica, Tina (Brian), Carrie, Natalie, and Emily; four great-grandchildren; and Shami.
Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29, followed by a memorial service from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Toms River American Legion Hall, 2025 Church Road, Toms River. Burial private/family only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends consider donating in Stephen's name to the Save the Music Foundation by visiting www.vh1savethemusic.com/donation or to the Leisure Village East Medical Unit Foundation. Silverton Memorial, Toms River, is in charge of arrangements.