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BORN
1933
DIED
2008
Michael DeSantis Obituary
After attending schools in Frederick, he joined the Air Force. He retired in 1976 as a Boom Operator after nearly 25 years. He
then took a job with Kentucky Fried Chicken as a technical representative where he retired in 1988. He loved cooking Italian food for his family from his mother's recipes. He especially loved making the homemade raviolis and serving his children and grandchildren every Christmas Eve. He loved traveling with friends and family in his motor home and in the last few years spent a lot of time in Pismo Beach. His father, Gennaro Antonio Nicola DeSantis came from Consano, Italy and his mother, Rafaela Maria Rosa Frenchmore, her family came from Sicily, Italy. He was the 4th son of 8 children. He always jokingly referred to himself as “The Thoroughbred”. Michael was a member of Our Lady of Mercy-St. Patrick's Parish and the In-flight Refueling Association.
His wife, Jackie of 32 years and their eight children survive him. Karen (Mark) Theofanides, Merced; Charles (Jean) DeSantis, New Orleans, LA; Kellie (Mike) Pack Kingman, AZ; Denise (Dan) Gallagher, Merced, David (Karen) Smothers, Los Banos; Chris DeSantis, Merced; Paul (Julie) DeSantis, Clovis, CA and Renee (Ron) Danel, Atwater. Also, surviving are his 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister Rosalie Lischner, Lakewood, CO and brothers Anthony (Cheryl) DeSantis, Littleton, CO; Joseph DeSantis, Broomfield, CO and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valley Children's Hospital of Madera, CA. Visitation will be 4-7 at Ivers and Alcorn on Thursday, June 5, 2008 and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Patrick's Parish at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2008 Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, CA.
All funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home in Merced, California.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael DeSantis
Jennifer DeSantis Verrette
June 5, 2008
My wonderful grandfather,
I will miss you more than words can even being to say. I have many fond memories of you over the years even though we lived so far apart you always made sure to call and talk to me or write me just so I would know how much you loved me. I cannot imagine a world without you in it. My one true regret in my relationship with you is that my child didn't get to really know you. I wish he could have had more time with you, to know you, to learn from you, just so that he would also know and remember the wonderful person, man, and grandfather that I did. I feel that we are all so lucky to have had you in our lives as long as we did. You were truely one of the best men I have ever known and the other men that I include in that group are who they are because of your example they are your sons. I love you so much. I know that you are in a better place than all of us are and you are up there looking down on all of us. So if nothing else that makes me feel better and gives me peace. You forever stay in my heart and my mind. I promise I will do my best to try and make your great-grandson know who you are and what your life was all about but I doubt I even come close to doing you any justice because it is hard to decribe such a kind-hearted, loving, wonderful man. I love you.
Robin Keezer Redwine
June 4, 2008
Dear Jackie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel very fortunate to have grown up across the street from you and Mike on Beals Avenue. I cannot think back on any of the big moments in my life from birthday parties to graduations (8th grade and high school and college) that you and Mike were not a part of. I have very fond memories of Mike that I will cherish always. The way that he used to watch out for my sister and myself when we were outside riding our bikes (even filling a few low tires for us) or skateboarding. He gave me his recipe for chicken fettucinne that I still use today that everyone absolutely loves. He was always so kind and I will never forget him. He made a lasting impression on my life because he was such a nice man. I will never forget seeing my mom and dad and you and Mike sitting out in the drive way every night. Mike always took the time to include us in the conversations (and we were just kids), that stands out in my mind and speaks to what a truly special person Mike was, he made everyone feel important. My prayers are with you and I will be thinking of you.
Kellie DeSantis-Pack
June 3, 2008
My Daddy,
I love you so much.
Going & changing the oil with you or going to the NCO Club to get your hair cut. We would always get a
Shirley Temple...
I miss when you would take me on Dates, with my gloves & Hat off we would go...Sure do Miss YOU!
Sis
Celeste, Chad, Lance Sierra (Rosenberg)
June 3, 2008
Dear Jackie and family, We were sorry to hear about Mike. We know he is in heaven playing "washers"! The boys and I will miss his humor, stories and his talk about how he made spaghetti and meatballs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rosmary Parker
June 3, 2008
My uncle Mike has been a very special person in my life and I will miss him very much - Love to all the family, Rosmary
Colby Rust
June 3, 2008
I love you Papa! Miss you so much words cannot explain! Eliana is working on "Pa-pa" xoxo
Anica-Lena Martinez (Rodriguez)
June 3, 2008
I have know Ron and Renee for many years, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. God Bless
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