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Norman S Santos
1960 - 2023
Norman S Santos
1960 - 2023
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Norman Santos Obituary
Norman Salvatore Santos, age 62, of South Holland, IL, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Beloved husband of Marybelle Santos, nee Mittenthal. Loving father of Emily (Douglas) Hendershot. Loving Grandfather of Gwendolyn Rose. Dear brother of Jennifer (Michael) Kerwin and Mario Dino (Beth) Santos. Kind uncle of Andrew, Abigail, Emma and Joseph. Dear nephew of Priscilla (Faustino) Dionisio. Cousin to Pamela Dionisio, Jocelyn (Jack) Cheng and others in the Philippines, Canada and the U.S.. Norman was loved by many, admired by colleagues, and will be dearly missed.
Norm graduated from Thornwood H.S. and Purdue University. He earnestly applied his Engineering degree at the Chicago Transit Authority where he worked for almost 26 years - he started as the Chief Automotive Equipment Engineer, Bus Engineering and rose to become the General Manager of Bus Engineering & Technical Services. In December 2021, he retired from Mohawk Mfg. & Supply Company as the Regional Sales Manager, Great Lakes Region.
Norm was also an accomplished musician. In H.S. his guitar skills helped his band win Battle of the Bands. In college, he taught piano at Melody Mart in Homewood and also gave private lessons. Norm often transcribed music by George Winston for his students at their request. Besides teaching, he played keyboard and guitar in Maxx the Band. In recent years, he played acoustic guitar with the Glory Singers at weekly mass and other church celebrations at Infant Jesus of Prague in Flossmoor. He enjoyed all genres of music. Among his favorites: The Beatles, James Taylor, classical pianists: Vladimir Horowitz, Glenn Gould, Murray Perahia, Maurizio Pollini, Andre Watts, Evginy Kissin, Lang Lang and Yuja Wang (to name a few).
Visitation Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St. (Rt.6/159th St.) South Holland, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Il 60604) or Ravinia (418 Sheridan Road Highland Park IL 60035). For further information please contact 708-333-7000 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
Scott Friedrich
October 31, 2024
I met Norm through his sales position at Mohawk quite a few years ago. His product knowledge and salesmanship was outstanding. I always looked forward to his visits here in Kalamazoo, to catch up with him. I know he was proud of his wife and daughter and did not hesitate to let us know of proud moments. Forever fond memories of you Norm " Fly High"
Rowena
January 11, 2023
I will always have fond childhood memories of Norman. A talented musician who brought joy and a guitar. Rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Norman´s family.
Jim Gebis
January 8, 2023
We will keep Norm in our prayers. He will be missed and he will be kept in our memories. Norm had integrity and honesty. He was liked and respected by all those who got to know him. We will remember his friendly smile.
I will remember Norm for his love of music, especially the piano. Whenever I see someone playing the piano or hear live piano music, I think of Norm. I remember his eyes perking up when he heard or played the piano. It was a joy to see his passion.
Norm was a dedicated engineer and a hard worker who could be counted on to get the job done. He was respected by his coworkers and many others in the Transit Industry. He was an important part of CTA Bus Engineering. He contributed to many improvements and advancements in bus design and technology.
It is sad that his life was cut short. He had so much to offer.
Thanks, Norm, for making all our lives better.
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Mike Dain
January 7, 2023
Norm you will be missed. God grant peace and strength to the family. Norm was a big part of our CTA family. We miss you.
Rochelle SHAPLAND
January 7, 2023
Sending our deepest condolences, prayers, and sympathy to the Santos and Kerwin families-we have so many fond memories spending the holidays and cherish past times listening to Norman play piano and guitar at Uncle Nic and Auntie Joy’s house. Rest in peace, dear Norman. With love from Rochelle and John Shapland. ❤❤❤
Georgr Jepsen
January 6, 2023
I wish to send my deepest condolences to all of Norm’s family. I worked with Norm at Mohawk and always enjoyed conversations with him through the years. He was very intelligent and skilled in the industry. He had lived earlier two blocks away on Keating from my wife’s aunt and uncle. He was a caring man and a sweet person. A great person to work with. I pray for the Lord’s comfort to all his family
George Jepsen
Jamie Doligosa
January 6, 2023
So sorry to hear about the passing of Norman. I'll always remember him for his love of song, music and playing piano at get-togethers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Santos family at this time
Ralph Malec
January 5, 2023
Norm was a great guy. I totally enjoyed working with him. My prayers are with him.
Mike and Bernie Hoffman
January 4, 2023
Marybelle - your family is in the heart of our prayers.......
Carmen Arcilla
January 4, 2023
You will be sorely missed, my dear cousin. Sending you my sincerest and fervent prayers for your safe journey to meet the Lord.
Warm and tight hugs to Marybelle and Emily ...
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Matthew 5:4
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649 E. 162nd St., South Holland, IL 60473
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