Francis Xavior Santolla

Francis, Xavior Santolla

Saddle Brook - Francis Xavior Santolla Sr of Saddle Brook; and more recently of Manahawkin, passed peacefully at the age of 94, after an extended illness. His loving family wishes him well on his wonderful crossing into Heaven.

Born in Jersey City, October 13, 1926, he resided there as well as North Bergen, Passaic, and eventually Saddle Brook, where he raised his family. Frank, as he was known to all, graduated from Saint Peters Prep in Jersey City.

Born into the Greatest Generation, he served his country proudly, enlisting in 1944 with The United States Navy. He was a Motor Machinist, serving on the USS Haskell APA 117, (a new ship of that year), and on other ships in the South Pacific. His naval tour took him to such places as The Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, and the Hawaiian Islands. Frank was very proud of his service and shared various naval stories. One memorable event was a return to the US, months after the surrender of the Japanese Empire. The ship made port in Pearl Harbor on New Years Eve; It was an extraordinary event, with every ship firing a volley of ordinances into the air!

Frank later enlisted in The United States Coast Guard and served on the Lake Erie and Lake Michigan shipping lanes. After his eventual return home to NJ, Frank applied his mechanical prowess to the textile industry. He worked for American Lace in Hackensack and was eventually hired as a Technician/Forman and Designer for Beacon Looms Inc. in Teaneck NJ, and he was there until his retirement.

Frank was a communicant of Saint Philip The Apostle Church, in Saddle Brook. He was also a long time member of The VFW and American Legion. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and his dedication to his family was unprecedented. Frank enjoyed spending time with them at the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, or wherever else his family looked for his company. He particularly enjoyed the beach and ocean, and he was a big fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. Frank was also a very artistic person and his family benefited greatly from his talent. Friends of his children would remember him and his wife, for their generosity and patience, in allowing some "legendary gatherings" at Sterling Place in Saddle Brook!

Godspeed Francis; it was a full and blessed life. You were the best. Your family in Heaven is most certainly there to welcome you home.

Frank was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Liberta(nee Errigo), as well as his parents Phillip and Veronica. He is survived by his sister Rosemary, of Delmar De. , as well as his eldest son Philip and wife Gail, of Lanoka Harbor, twin son Sal and wife Maura, of Brick Township, twin son Frank and wife Regina, of Barnegat, youngest son Joe and his wife Gina, of Saddle Brook, and his very devoted daughter Anna Maria, also of Saddle Brook; and more recently of Manahawkin. He is also survived by his eight loving grandchildren, who affectionately called him Pop Pop; - -Ryan, Frankie, Matt, Jimmy, Paul, Eddie, Nick, Jenna, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 S Farview Ave. Paramus NJ, on Sunday May 23 from 2:00-6:00

A funeral mass will be held on at Saint Philip The Apostle Church, 488 Saddle River Rd. Saddle Brook, NJ, at 11:00 Monday May 24.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Cerebral Palsy Foundation or The Department of Veterans Affairs would be greatly appreciated.

Joseph W. Sorce Funeral Home, Inc.728 West Nyack RoadWest Nyack, NY 10994(P) 845-358-4433 (F) 845-353-9701 sorcefuneralhome.com