Dennis Michael Santoro

Dennis Michael Santoro passed away unexpectedly May 23, 2016, at Hartford Hospital, of heart failure.

Dennis leaves behind his first wife, Constance; and their children, Cheryl Canavan and her husband, Paul, of Pomfret, Jeffery Santoro, of Manchester, Alex Santoro and his wife, Michelle, of Manchester, and Susan Santoro, of Bolton. He also leaves his beloved Judith, with whom he has made his home for the past 40 years, and her family, Tracy Hummel, of Enfield, Kimberly Leone and her husband, Robert, of East Windsor, Cindy Fernandez and her husband, Amaury, of Manchester, and their adopted daughter, Bernadette Testa, of Enfield. Dennis was also the proud grandfather of Jacqueline Leone-Guilbe and her husband, David, of Windsor Locks, Danielle Leone and Robert Leone Jr., both of East Windsor, Nicole Fernandez, of Manchester, Alex Santoro Jr., of Manchester, and Stephen Canavan, of Pomfret. Dennis was "Grampa Den" to his great-grandchildren, Skylar Leone and Maxamillion, Alexianna, and Mackenxie Guilbe. He also leaves behind his beloved feline children, Mommy Rose, Little Bear, Happy Holly, and Honey.

Dennis was employed by the Journal Inquirer as advertisement executive until the time of his death. He had also worked previously at the Manchester Herald as advertisement manager, and Hartford Courant, where he was top sales representative. Dennis was advertising manager of Regal Men's Shop and owner of the Lions Den of Manchester. He was a past member of the Chamber of Commerce, past co-chairman of the Heart Association of Manchester, and co-chairman of the American Red Cross of Manchester.

He was a member of the Center Congregational Church and sang there many times. He also was a past member of the Manchester Barber Shop Singers.

Dennis was solely responsible for starting the Manchester Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing.

Dennis loved life and enjoyed dining out with his family. One of his favorite places was Denny's.

Among his last words were " I can't wait to eat at Denny's!"

His unexpected death has been a terrible tragedy to his family.

Dennis had said, "If something happens to me during surgery, tell EVERYONE I love them and to be happy."

There are no words to express the loss this family feels.

You will be greatly missed.