Johnnie Charles "Lil Man" Santangelo III

Johnnie Charles Santangelo, III July 21, 1985-March 1, 2016 Born July 21, 1985 and a residence of Independence, Louisiana, Johnnie Charles Santangelo, III, "Lil Man" to his family and many friends, departed this life on the wings of angels on March 1, 2016 at the age of 30. Johnnie was the beloved son of Johnnie and Cheryl Santangelo, Jr. He married his loving wife, Megan McClendon Santangelo, on October 18, 2014; their marriage was blessed on March 31, 2015. Joining in their grief are his sisters, Julie Santangelo Ponder and husband, Hoyt, and their son, Colton; Jennifer Santangelo Ricard and husband, Daryl, and their sons, John Charles, Brooks, and Ryder; his grandfather, Casimo Russell Viola; along with his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Johnnie and Ruby Lee Santangelo, Sr. and Jacqueline Viola. Johnnie was a graduate of Independence High School where he excelled in baseball and football, even receiving the WBRZ Channel 2 Fan's Choice Award. After graduating high school, he attended Bossier Parish Community College where he received an Associate Degree in General Studies and then a Bachelor Degree in General Studies from Northwestern State University. While at BPCC and NSU, he participated in their baseball programs as a pitcher. He was drafted as a pitcher by the Kansas City Royals while at BPCC, but decided to continue pursuing his bachelor degree. After completing college, he worked as an engineer technician for the Department of Transportation and Development in the Prestress division and then later became manager of Red Hill Mushroom Farm. He was a devout member of the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church and a man with a deep love of God. Through his battle with cancer, he never once lost faith or doubted his trust in the Lord. He would always tell others to never lose hope and to never give up. He inspired and touched everyone he met; he never met a stranger. Johnnie loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Whether hunting a whitetail, fishing a pond, throwing a baseball, or sitting around telling one of his animated stories, Lil Man Santangelo brought a smile to every person fortunate enough to meet him. To know him was to love him. His kind, generous spirit was only surpassed by his warm, loving heart. All he encountered easily saw his vibrant love of life. Heaven has gained a truly benevolent angel. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church on Friday, March 4, 2016 from 9:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Colonial Cemetery Mausoleum. Donations may be made online to the Barrow Neurological Institute for brain tumor research at www.barrowneuro.org Condolences may be made to Lil Man's family by visiting www.harrymckneely.com