Joseph Francis Santillo

1927 - 2022

Santillo - Joseph Francis, passed away on October 16, 2022, at 95 years old. A devoted father, spouse, son and patriarch of his large, extended family. He touched so many lives through his caring, his strength and his generous spirit. Joseph was married to Alfredina DeMichael for 62 years and had three daughters: Joann, Susan and Patricia, five granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. Joseph was born in the small farming village of Pietrelcina in Italy on October 4, 1927, to Antonio Santillo and Maria Grazia Cardone. He moved to NY when he was a young boy and was grateful to this country that gave him a good life and many opportunities. He demonstrated this through his service to his country and his community. Joseph joined the US Navy and served as part of the fleet testing the atom bomb for use in World War II. He was a Nassau County police officer for 36 years working in the Five Towns and vicinity. He was very involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Inwood, NY, the Sons of Italy in Inwood, NY, and was a Trustee of the Inwood Civic Association. He was awarded the Inwood Civic Association's "Man of the Year in 2015" and received Nassau County's 2017 "Make a Difference" Award in recognition of his years of community service. He was an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church in Inwood, NY for over 60 years. Above all, Joseph was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed. The Visitation will be at Meserole's Funeral Home, Inwood, NY on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 and Thursday, October 27, 2022. The funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church at 10 am on Friday, October 28, 2022.