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Ronald Damon Santilli, D.D.S.
1946 - 2020
Ronald Damon Santilli, D.D.S.
1946 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1946
DIED
2020
Ronald Damon Santilli, D.D.S. Obituary
Ronald Damon Santilli, D.D.S.
August 16, 1946 - June 03, 2020
A gentleman and a gentle man
Happily married to his beloved wife "Patty Ann" for 38 years with whom he enjoyed entertaining, traveling, biking, xc skiing, hiking, kayaking and beating her at canasta.
Ron loved all his Italian relatives especially his siblings Dr. Dennis (Judy), Dr. Robert (Gloria), Daryl (Vicki) and his dear sister Susan. He loved all his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews especially Mason and Rachel.
Known for his puns, jokes, quips and stories, he had the uncanny ability to remember a joke and slip it into the conversation all while entertaining his VA Hospital dental patients, MATC Dental Hygiene students and Marquette University School of Dentistry students and faculty.
He cherished his many, many friends especially Dr. William (Louise) Schuckit, Brent Gregory, Dr. Jay (Debbie) Mackman, Dr. Pete (Jodi) Colosimo, Dr. Scott (Kate) Lewis, and Dr. Michael (Rochelle) Layde, Bill (Lorraine) Buehler, Jim Nagle, Jim (Mary) Nugent and Chuck Henderson.
Known as Mr. Fix-It, he also knew how to relax at Marquette Theater, MSO concerts (always with his eyes closed), his Men's Book Club, Couples Book Club, Bible Study Group, Friday Night Faith Group, Gourmet Club, Jabberwocs, and lots of movies. He was the "Coupon King" of all shoppers here and there. And he couldn't pass up a Kopp's custard cone of chocolate and raspberry.
His generosity extended quietly to many people, groups and organizations. He was generous with his love, his actions and his thoughts and he was admired for his humility. He led a blessed life.
Predeceased by his loving parents Natalie and Michael Santilli, his "second mom" Aunt Ida and his oldest brother Dennis.
In Ron's honor please make a donation to your favorite charity.
A private family service will be held at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Celebration of Life at a later date.
42 Entries
Marianne Arpe
June 4, 2024
Ron was a classmate of mine . He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Always upbeat, helpful, and fun . He took charge of our SHS reunions and is so missed as we work on our 60 th this year. Ron is missed by so many of us.
David Swanson
June 2, 2024
What a exemplary human being we had in Dr. Ron Santilli! I was a counselor at Badger Boys State and he was a delegate from his high school and in my "city"; he called me afterward, and we became friends, and what a g-r-e-a-t friend, and Christian-life-living man he was, I'd guess that if we talked to his classmates, patients, MU colleagues and friends, we'd discover that he was BELOVED and ADMIRED by ALL! There's a saying that "The good die young" , , , and that's surely the sad truth here. WE MISS YOU!!!!
Robin Cohn
April 22, 2023
I think of Ron from time to time, always warm pleasant thoughts. Grateful to have known him and shared years at Shorewood High.
Marianne Arpe
June 4, 2021
Remembering dear Ron on the anniversary of his passing. He was a classmate and a longtime wonderful friend- and he is certainly missed by many of us. Thinking of you today Pat.
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Richie & Sue Taffet
June 25, 2020
We were shocked to hear of Rons passing. Weve known Ron since the 1970s, when we both worked together in the U.S. Public Health Service Outpatient Clinic in Detroit. Ron was the most polite, patient (no pun intended), compassionate dentist and human being I have ever met in my 73 years on earth. Always had a smile and a joke, new or old, to tell us. He and Pat always remembered our birthdays etc. He always had a kind word for everyone. A true professional, but more importantly a true friend to all who knew and loved him. The world is in a sadder place as he is no longer physically with us, however his life will always be for a blessing. Rest in Peace our friend.
Sue and Richie Taffet
(old friends)
Chris Santilli Johnson
June 13, 2020
I'm so missing my wonderful Uncle Ron. His kindness and sincerity and intelligence was soul deep, and his interest in sharing & discussing ideas on so many levels and topic is legendary for me. Though I'm profoundly sad he's no longer of this world, I'm grateful he was such an integral part of mine and my family.
Jeanne Hoppe
June 11, 2020
Ron was one of the nicest people I have known. He truly was a blessing to all of us at MUSOD with his smile and kind manner in which he treated everyone. And his memory will certainly bring happy thoughts as we think of him and thank him for being in our lives.
Jeanne Hoppe
Peter Colosimo
June 11, 2020
Ron Santilli was one of a kind.The words to describe him always include kind, gentile funny and a friend to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. I have know Ron for over 60 years, through dental school and beyond. He was always there to help anyone and everyone who needed him.His sudden passing was heartbreaking to all who were fortunate to call him a friend. God has received one of the finest people I have ever known and welcomed a true Angel. Rest in peace my friend. Pete Colosimo
LaVonne Rau
June 10, 2020
Dear Pat,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful husband Ron. I know that this is a terrible loss for you and I wish to send my sincerest condolences.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
LaVonne
Jane O'Connell
June 10, 2020
Dear Pat, I was so sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved husband Ronald. What a delightful person he was. My heart is with you. I send my deepest condolences. Looking forward to seeing you at WCW.
Cookie Anderson
June 10, 2020
I never met Ron. His wife, tho, Ive been getting to know. They sound like the perfect pair: smiles always, kind, actively involved, committed to helping the world, sharing. I hold Pat and family in my heart until they meet again.
Warren Biel
June 10, 2020
Ron was always someone who you enjoyed being with. I enjoyed listening to his travel adventures and other stories. He was truly a kind and generous spirit. My most sincere condolences to Daryl and the rest of the Santilli family.
Neil Sullivan
June 9, 2020
Lots of nice things said about Ron from classmates that knew him far better than I. Beyond being a fellow alum of Marquette U., the thing about his career that stands out to me is that he spent much of it working with the Veterans Administration. As a Marine and beneficiary of the VA in Colorado, the skilled practitioners who care for vets (who could earn a lot more money working in the private sector) are special people. Semper Fi from a grateful vet!
Vic Salerno
June 9, 2020
Ron sat next to me for4 years of dental school and we never had a disagreement. He had a one line joke for me everyday.
He didnt smoke, rarely drank a glass of red wine and was always in shape.
I was fortunate to see Ron this past February at Charlie Schranks funeral. He sat with us for hours laughing and having a great time. He was in great shape.
No doubt Ron is in heaven now.
Tony Gruber
June 8, 2020
Like so many have said ,Ron always had a smile,cheerful, and ready to listen. Ron was a classmate of MUSoD and encouraged me to also make a career change into VA Dental. May God bless his soul and RIP.
Doris Curley
June 8, 2020
Pat, what a very special person and husband he was! What a loss! I remember you and Ron from Holy Family and your teaching my kids. He was too young to go. I am so sorry.
Gladys Locks
June 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss. The Milwaukee VA Dental.
Mr. and Mrs. Laurens W. Floyd. Jr.
June 7, 2020
What a wonderful person. Pat, I know you will miss him terribly. Charlene and I will also just keeping up with the two of you through Daryl. He was very kind to me and that is what I will always remember about him. Our sympathies to all your family.
Janice Babcock
June 7, 2020
Dr. Ron Santilli, D.D.S. was a great dentist for our VA patients.
Paul and Paula Decker
June 7, 2020
Always enjoyed our conversations and dancing along side Ron and Pat at Jabberwoc. Have missed seeing them over the past couple of years since the club ended. Our condolences and love to his lovely dance partner, Pat.
Ralph Pamenter
June 7, 2020
Ron was the perfect gentleman throughout his life. And an excellent and caring dentist. He had so many interests throughout his life and everyone was as fond of him as he was of them. We lost a wonderful man,
Ralph Pamenter
MUSoD Classmate
Tom Taft
June 6, 2020
During my 34 years on the Marquette Dental Faculty I never saw Ron without a smile on his face. He was always ready with a kind word and was a great student advocate! He was simply a nice man! Ron rest in peace!
Sandy Scott
June 6, 2020
Ron was a kind and gentle man, that certainly knew how to have fun. He and his brother, Bob, shared the same qualities of gentleness and always wanting to learn more! He will be missed by all that ever crossed his path. My prayers go out to Pat and the whole family and I am truly sorry for your loss.
Aidali Rivera
June 6, 2020
Dr. Santilli always gonna be in my heart. Heaven gain an angel. An excellent person. RIP Dr Santilli. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. To Dr. Santilli wife and family I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Franz Backus
June 6, 2020
Ron in his tux reminds me of what a wonderful shared with Ron and Pat at Jabberwalk gatherings. Dancing the night away. Pat I will miss Ron fiercely my prayers and sympathy are with you in this time of grief. Please remember the wonderful dancing you and Ron shared, the conversations with other dancers diners and be aware of their joy at seeing you dance.
Franz Backus
Karen Jahimiak
June 6, 2020
One of my favorite teachers at the VA
Daniel Gerdes
June 5, 2020
Dr Santilli was a gem of an instructor at MUSoD and impacted so many of us in the profession through his kindness and wisdom. He was always ready with a joke, quote or anecdote for any situation and will be greatly missed. Rest In peace good sir, and deepest condolences to your family.
Hany Kurdi
June 5, 2020
Inspiring and kind. He perfected the smile, and he was his profession personified. May you Rest In Peace and smile down on us every now and again
Navorris Smith
June 5, 2020
By far one of the best instructors I came in contact with..... the smile, the mentoring, the jokes, and stories will be truly missed. God bless.
Steven McEwan
June 5, 2020
Dr. Santilli was truly a special man! He was an amazing mentor and teacher. He possessed a divine gift of joy and optimism that he shared everyone around him. His personality was magnetic and always brightened my day. Rest my friend, you are loved.
Eddie Brotkowski
June 5, 2020
Dr. Santilli was one of the most awesome faculty members I had the pleasure of working with at MUSoD. He took the time to get to know you and helped you be the best dentist and person that you could possibly be. I remember that he knew I had an interest in meteorology and he would show me interesting cloud pictures that he would take or people sent to him. He would make you feel a whole lot better even if you were having the worst day of your life. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family.
Jenny McMahon-Varick
June 5, 2020
A gentleman and a gentle man is the perfect description of Ron. I will miss his smile, jokes, and silly unexpected emails that would always brighten my day. Sending love & condolences to Pat and the entire Santilli family.
Lato Nguyen
June 5, 2020
Dr. Santilli, I am saddened to know that we lost a great person like you in our profession and this world. I thank you so much for your kindness, wisdom and intelligence. May you rest in peace!
Ryan Dulde
June 5, 2020
Simply the best. Thank you for teaching and mentoring me.
Scott Silvestri
June 5, 2020
So sorry to hear this news. Many wonderful memories of a kind hearted man!! My sincere condolences to Pat and the entire Santilli family. With Love, Scott and Amy Silvestri
Jim Del Balso
June 5, 2020
Ron was one of the kindest souls I have ever met. He seemed to never forget anyone too. I met him on the faculty when I was in my junior year in 1971, and he always treated students with respect. He also had the respect of everyone at the VA, and his quest for knowledge knew no bounds. I cannot ever, EVER, recall seeing him without that huge infectious smile on his face. This news is absolutely devastating. My condolences to Patty Ann and his entire Italian extended clan. RIP.
Chuck Henderson
June 5, 2020
Ron and I were swimming team teammates in high school. We lost track of each other until my wife passed away and he was there for me when I really needed a friend. He was one of the best guys Ive ever known and Ill really miss him. I was able to keep the faith from our many conversations. The last time I talked to him after his surgery I told him, I love you, man and he told me that too. Im so very sorry for your loss, Pat.
Marianne Arpe
June 5, 2020
Im shocked to hear about Rons passing away. Until a few weeks ago he was still sending me jokes via email . Ron was one of the kindest men Ive ever known. Im sad that I didnt really know him well until we stated planning our SHS reunions together. My thoughts and prayers are with Pat, who was as generous as Ron. I wasnt aware if Ron had been ill, but I will surely miss his kindness and cleverness. Sincerely,Marianne Neu Arpe
Susan Dalsasso
June 5, 2020
Dr. Santilli was a wonderful and special individual. His gentle and loving spirit will be missed. I am grateful for his kindness and friendship My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Bryan and Kim O'Keeffe
June 5, 2020
Pat and to all the, Santilli family, our hearts are with you at this time of loss. Ron was always so kind and inquisitive. He always made me and my family feel welcome and always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts are with you all.
Judy and Mark Mandel
June 4, 2020
Ron was one of the stars! Always a smile. Quiet, yet assertive. Extremely knowledgeable but not showy. A good listener. Giving to all he met who were in need. A real mensch.
He will be missed.
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