De Santis, Carmine C.
March 4, 1928 - February 24, 2022

Carmine C. De Santis passed peacefully at his home in Frederick on February 24, 2022, with his wife Anna by his side, just a week short of his 94th birthday.
Carmine was born March 4, 1928 in Cansano, Italy to Maria Donata Morelli and Salvatore De Santis. He immigrated to Ellis Island with his sister and mother in 1936 as a naturalized American citizen, and the family settled in Colorado where Salvatore mined coal.
Carmine attended Frederick schools and earned his teaching certification and master's in education from Colorado Teachers College, which is now University of Northern Colorado. He served in the U.S. Army and met Anna while on furlough in Cansano in 1950. They married in 1952 and lived in Greeley for a time before moving to Frederick.
Carmine worked in the St. Vrain Valley School District for 32 years and took great pride in educating generations of students in Colorado history, drafting, industrial arts and driver's education. Students lovingly called him "Mr. D," and always enjoy sharing memories of taking classes with him.
After retiring in 1988, Carmine enjoyed golf, and was instrumental in establishing Bella Rosa Golf Course in Frederick. He also helped secure the land on which the new St. Theresa's Catholic Church now sits. He served on the St. Theresa's Parish Council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
A dedicated civil servant, Carmine served on the Frederick Town Board for 42 years, and was also a volunteer firefighter. He established Miner's Memorial Day, an annual celebration honoring miners who worked in the coal mines of Frederick, Firestone and Dacono.
Carmine was an avid bocce player in the USA Federation de Bocce. He traveled to numerous national tournaments through the country, winning the national championship in 1979. For his consistent personal care shown for the welfare and betterment of the community of Frederick, he received the Kinder Morgan "Heart of Gold Award". He also received the Hoffman Award from the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, in which he was an honorary member.
Carmine is survived by his wife Anna of 69 years, his son Salvatore "Sam" De Santis (Cindy), daughters Dona Ryon (Pete), and Michelle De Santis. He is also survived by grandchildren, Sarah De Santis and Christopher De Santis (Alyce).
Preceding him in death are infant son John D. De Santis, his parents, a twin brother; sisters and brothers in law, Maria Nicola (Cola) and Vincent Ciccarelli, and Lillian and Attilio DiPaolo; and nieces and nephews Frieda and Frank Soucie, Anthony (Tony) Ciccarelli, Victor Ciccarelli, Angelo DiPaolo, Dayna Wise and Todd Ciccarelli.
A Recitation of the Rosary will be held Thursday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m., both services at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Frederick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Theresa Building Fund, 5503 Bella Rosa Parkway, Frederick, CO 80504.

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Published by Denver Post on Mar. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Carmine Santis

Sponsored by The Denver Post.

3 Entries

paul whittington-vaccaro

March 6, 2022

may god bless him. i played bocce with him at club international de bocce in denver .wonderful man.

Becky Acosta-Eskew

March 2, 2022

My heart goes out to Anna, Sammy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Carmen's passing. I will miss seeing him around town and in church. Most importantly growing up in Frederick I will miss seeing him around town and in school. So many memories. I will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may God bless you.

Michelle DeSantis

March 2, 2022

My sweet Dad,
My heart and spirit are crushed, and they probably will be forever. There aren't enough words in the universe to thank you for everything you did for me, from looking out for me in the incubator to insisting I eat and sleep while caring for you more recently. You were always my biggest advocate and I hope you'll continue to be, even from that beautiful golf course you're playing in heaven!
You introduced me to your woodshop at three, and I'll always remember it smelling like turpentine and the delicious coffee-flavored candy you had. You made tiny chairs just for me, and a lovely baby cradle for my dolls. You made me a beautiful wallet with my name on it, and countless other gorgeous things.
You postponed retirement until I graduated high school, then spent much of it chauffeuring me to make sure that I had a fun, fulfilled, happy college life despite not being able to drive.
I loved watching high school and college basketball with you, and laughing as you joked with my friends. I loved our shopping trips and meals at the fried chicken and Chinese restaurants we enjoyed in Denver. I love that when you found me crying hopelessly, you demanded to know what happened and did what you could to fix things immediately.
I miss watching the Broncos, the Nuggets, Family Feud, and Let's Make a Deal with you. I miss watching you do word searches from the huge books I bought you and asking me for snacks and water. I miss hearing you grind and make my coffee in the morning, knowing that it would taste just right because you made it. I miss you playing games and music on my phone and remarking that you always wanted to play the accordion. I hope Myron Floren gives you lessons.
I don´t know how to do life without you, Dad, but I will take everything you taught me and try. You took a piece of me with you to the other side, and though life will never be the same, I know you also live in me, and I will do my best to honor that, and you, for the rest of my days. I you so much!

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