Victoria Santini

Maria Victoria "Vicki" Santini, (nee Zangari), 94, of Pompton Plains, died peacefully with her family by her side, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Vicki was born to parents Caterina Zangari (nee Nestico) and Vincenzo Zangari on September 28, 1931, in Sant' Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio, a province of Catanzaro, in the region of Calabria, Italy. She had two older brothers, Silvino and Bruno Zangari.

In January 1937, Vicki's parents and brothers emigrated from Italy to Brooklyn, N.Y., but she was not permitted to join them, because she was ill. Vicki remained in Italy with family friends from January 1937 to May 1938, until she was well enough to travel.

In May 1938, Vicki, accompanied by her cousin, sailed on the S.S. "Rex" from Italy to America. Once she arrived, she spent time at the St. Francis Hospital for Cardiac Children in Roslyn, N.Y. to further recuperate. When she was fully healed, Vicki joined her parents and brothers in Brooklyn.

During her early teens, Vicki and her family moved to West Paterson, N.J., where she attended Passaic Valley High School. One of her first jobs was as a seamstress for a clothing manufacturing company. Vicki excelled at sewing and created many professionally-constructed garments and home furnishings during her lifetime.

As a young adult, Vicki worked as a salesperson and clothing model at Quackenbush Department Store in Paterson, N.J. It was there in 1953 that she met her future husband, John Santini, who happened to be Christmas shopping while home on leave from the U.S. Navy.

Vicki married John in 1955. The couple settled in small, mid-century-style home in Haledon, N.J. where children Michael and Patti were born. In 1965, the family moved to a newly-built home in Pompton Plains where son Paul was born. During this period, Vicki focused on raising her children and making a beautiful home for her family.

When her children were of school age, Vicki returned to sales and worked part time for Bamberger's Department Store in the Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, N.J. From there, she was hired as a furniture consultant at Bamberger's Furniture Store. Due to her warmth, professionalism, and eye for design, she enjoyed a successful career at Bamberger's/Macy's Furniture Store until her 2011 retirement.

Among Vicki's interests and talents were gardening; oil painting; nutrition; cooking Southern Italian meals; fitness; crocheting; antique hunting and refinishing; and of course, sewing.

Vicki is survived by her children, Patti (Guy) Shane and Paul (Kelley) Santini; her grandchildren Garret (Samantha), Casey, and Brian Santini, and Alex (Alexandra) and Jack (Holly) Snow; and her beloved dog, Ginger. Vicki is predeceased by her husband John and son, Michael.

An example for her children and grandchildren who sorely miss her, Vicki lived a full life that was tough, yet beautiful, just like her.

The family will hold a private service.