Lt. Armand J. DeSantis

Lt. Armand J. DeSantis, USN (Ret.) passed away on February 29, 2012 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston Salem, N.C. He was born in Erie, Pa. in 1928 to the late James Cirillo and Anna M. DeSantis. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; and his older brother, Frank, a former Sports Editor for the Erie Times. Lt. DeSantis was a decorated veteran of WW II, Korea and the Viet Nam wars. During his service he was the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat "V", a gold star in lieu of a second award, The Navy Achievement Medal, The Viet Nam Armed Forces Medal, First Class several Navy unit Citations as well the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He was a life member of the Military Officers Association of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Other survivors include his brothers, John and Victor, all of Erie, Pa. Surviving children are Jacqueline A. Anderson of Winston Salem, N.C., with whom he lived the last year of his life, Joseph M. DeSantis of Daytona Beach, Fla., Jeffrey J. DeSantis of Lake Helen, Fla., and Victor A. DeSantis of Melbourne, Fla. Grandchildren include Sarita M. McMannen of Winter Garden, Fla., and Gabrielle R. DeSantis of Melbourne, Fla., grandsons Armand J Anderson, USMC (Ret) and wife, Robin, of Winston Salem, N.C., and Matthew P. Anderson, USMC (Ret) of Phoenix, Ariz. His great grandchildren, Karisa Ruth and Ethan James of Winter Garden, Fla., and Brady Tegan Anderson of Winston Salem. Through Vogler and Sons Cremation of Winston Salem, N.C. funeral arrangements are pending at Arlington National Cemetery. His daughter may be contacted at 2578 Mid Salem Dr., Winston Salem, NC 27103.