JOSEPH ANGELO SANTINI

SANTINI, JOSEPH ANGELO 82 - of Buena Vista Township, passed away at home on Saturday, July 30, 2011 with his loving family by his side. Born in East Vineland, Joe was a lifelong resident of Buena Vista Township. He graduated from Vineland High School in 1947, he worked at The Grand, Globe and Landis Theaters while attending school. In 1951, Joe was drafted in the Army and was sent to Korea. While serving in Korea, Joe received a Conflict Infantry Badge, Korean Service Ribbon and Medal, Two Bronze Stars and The State of New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal Award. He was a life member of The Veterans of Foreign War Post 158 and Buena Boro Post 3662. Joe worked as a farmer for 52 years, during which time he worked with his sister and wife running Nancy's Country Store, which was located at 5 Points. Joe was an advocate in having more traffic lights installed at the intersection at 5 Points. He was a fixture in the community and was often referred to as the "Mayor of 5 Points" If someone needed to find out information about community events or residents; they called Joe at the store. Joe was a proud member of the East Vineland Fire Co. for 35 years and retired as an Exempt 1st Lt. Treasurer. He also was a member of Atlantic County Co. Fire Police and Constable of Buena Vista Township. Joe enjoyed telling jokes at the annual fireman dinner, which he was the Master of Ceremony. In 1978, Joe received Fireman of The Year Award. Joe was also a member of The Buena Historical Society and received an award for his involvement with this group, he was also recognized as Outstanding Citizen for 2002 of Buena Vista Township and also received a Citation from the Senate and General Assembly of New Jersey for leadership and service for Buena Vista Township. As a self-taught artist, Joe painted a portrait of President Carter and presented it to Carter's sister Sissy, when she visited Buena Vista Township. Joe loved to dance, and enjoyed attending dances in Buena. Over the years, he enjoyed playing cards with close friends and belonged to a local card club. Joe loved spending time with his grandchildren and they will miss him dearly. Predeceased by his beloved wife Gloria, mother Margaret (Buzzarini) and father Joseph, brother Anthony and sisters, Nancy and Josephine (Martinelli). He is survived by two sons, Joseph and wife Bernadette (Carbonara) of East Vineland, and John and wife Marie-Alise (Tisa) of Sicklerville, and daughter Jeannine Santini Green and husband Dan of Florida. Grandfather of Allysia, Joseph Jr., Bernadette Rose, John Jr., Anthony and five grand-cats. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday at 11am at Padre Pio Parish, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland. Entombment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday from 6pm to 8pm at the DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 1019 E Landis Ave., Vineland and again on Friday from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the CHURCH. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St Padre Pio Church and the East Vineland Fire Company. Condolences may be sent to www.dlfuneral.com