Donald Santarpia

Donald Santarpia, 89, of Brooklyn, NY passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 1, 2025. He was born and raised in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Donald raised his family in Old Mill Basin Brooklyn, settling in Marlboro, NJ for the last two years. Donald ran the family business, Santarpia's Fruit and Vegetables, for over thirty-five years. He was known as a neighborhood fixture and often referred to as the mayor / "Don" of the Avenue. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, post 14269 in Sheepshead Bay. His ultimate passion was cheering on his favorite teams, the NY Mets and the NY Giants (a season ticketholder for over 50 years). He took great enjoyment going to the racetrack, playing cards, Atlantic City and talking to his beautiful granddaughters. He wasn't afraid to meet and talk to anyone and was known for offering his opinions on all topics. Donald had a tremendous heart and was known for his extreme generosity.
Donald was predeceased by his parents, Alfonso and Lily Santarpia, his loving wife, Josephine and a daughter. Patricia Mazzarelli. Surviving is his daughter, Donna Spano (Robert), a brother, Michael (Marie), and sister, Judy Santarpia, his grandchildren, Danielle and Samantha Spano. His lifelong friend, Carmine Palumbo (Margie), will also miss him terribly.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4th, 2pm – 4pm and 7pm – 9pm at Waitt Funeral Home, 501 Highway 79, Morganville, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 5th, 10am at St. Clement Church, 172 Freneau Avenue, Matawan, NJ. Entombment will follow at St. Garbriel's Cemetery and Mausoleum, 549 Newman Springs Road, Marlboro, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Foundation and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.