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Carl DeSantis Obituary
Born in Boston and raised in south Florida, Carl attended college at FSU in Tallahassee and returned to Miami where he began his career managing retail drug stores before becoming an enthusiastic and optimistic entrepreneur at a young age. He had a strong work ethic and boundless energy, starting and nurturing many successful businesses over the years. He was also a generous philanthropist, contributing to many educational, spiritual, and cultural organizations and institutions.
Carl's infectious laughter, warm smile, and genuine interest in others endeared him to everyone he met. He possessed a unique ability to inspire and motivate those around him, empowering them to reach their full potential. Carl's wisdom, guidance, and mentorship touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on their personal and professional journeys.
We celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the profound impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him.
Friends may call on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 4PM to 7PM at Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 N.E. 6th Avenue, Delray Beach. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church, 7250 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11AM. Entombment will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Mausoleum, Royal Palm Beach.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.
Memories and Condolences
for Carl DeSantis
24 Entries
Joanne kilmartin
January 25, 2025
Oh Carl, you were a powerful force on this earth. Always popping into my life unexpectedly . Your financial advice was spot on. More than anything you taught me to just be yourself, billionaire or not.
I will carry your passion with me forever.
XOXO- Joanne Kilmartin
NANCY S Dolson
September 26, 2024
So saddened to just be reading such a great loss. Carl was one of the best men I knew. I was so blessed to work for Rexall Sundown the best company ever. Loved hearing the stories how Carl started the business in his garage. He was kind and giving to all the employees. You loved going to work. I was just looking at my picture today when I won a trip to Disney. I made a quilt and had employees sign for my sweet Mgr Jeanne Devore. I made REXALL SUNDOWN GANG. We were all family and over 200 employees signed and gave pictures to add on the quilt.
Great memories. God bless you Carl you will be missed. God got another angel. Condolences to all your great family. I will always talk about how great you were to many and touched our lives.
Jennifer Klein
November 3, 2023
Sad to hear of Carls' passing. He was the most generous soul with the big kid heart. Never forgot his roots and was always a pleasure to be around. My ladies softball team would never have been able to go to our tournament in New Orleans in 2018 if it were not for his contribution. Always had a smile on his face and willingness to make everyone around him at ease.
Rest easy my friend.
XOXO
Jennifer
Dorithy Greene
October 12, 2023
Will never forget my dear brother. Will love him forever, Dorothy Greene and family
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Brett Greene
September 7, 2023
Love you and miss so much!!! XXXOOO
Brian Flynn
September 3, 2023
I first met Carl when I worked for him when he took over Erny's back in the 90's, I hit it off with him right from the minute we met. I am a very sad person reading of his passing. All I can say if anyone ever was going to get a FIRST CLASS TICKET to HEAVEN to be with the BIG GUY is this BEAUTIFUL man Carl D. RIP Carl
Lynnette Barton
September 3, 2023
MR. DeSantis, I will always be grateful for your kindness, generosity and support. It was an honor to plan your 60th birthday surprise celebration and other events for you and your wonderful family. My prayers are with the family and friends left behind. Your laughter, and the twinkle in your eyes will always be remembered. The knowledge, hard work and ethics you shared will carry on. You. Will. Be missed.
Cristina Hunnewell
September 3, 2023
Learning of Carl's passing is so sad! He was a lover of life, family, God, people and of learning. He was funny and compassionate for those less fortunate. There are so many words to describe what a special and unique man that he was but I will keep it simple by saying he was one of a kind, accomplished more than most and will be very missed! He is with our Lord in Heaven now dancing with the Angels! RIP
Angela Manfredi
August 23, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the DeSantis family during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort through cherished memories.
With sympathy,
Angela Manfredi
Nicole De Leon, Sr. Executive Director March of Dimes
August 22, 2023
On behalf of March of Dimes, we share our sincerest condolences and sympathies on the loss of Carl. We are incredibly thankful for his support throughout the years and his commitment to our community. He helped move our mission forward in South Florida and we will forever be grateful.
Carol Cote
August 22, 2023
Carl, you will be dearly missed. You were a truly amazing and generous man. You have given me opportunities that I would have never had. From a restaurant to my amazing South Africa experience. I can, with all confidence say that many, many people in your life have have the same testimonial.
I appreciated your sweet friendship with my father, Jim Steinhauser. He loves you like a brother. I cannot even imagine a world without you in it. Rest in Peace, our dear friend.
Kenny Frost
August 21, 2023
You helped save my life. I'm not sure there is much more I could say.
It is through your inspiration that I ask God each day for the strength and guidance to be of service to His other children and each night for another day to do the same or try again if I hadn't done too well that day. No matter the task, big or small, whether direct or indirect, even if only a friendly smile or a kind word, I hope to keep your spirit alive and well and inspire others to do the same until you and I meet again.
You showed me it is okay to be human and when we fall to get back up and push forward or start over if necessary. I am forever grateful for God putting you in my life. You will be dearly missed, but you will live on my friend, through me and countless others I am certain. Please continue to look over us there in heaven as you did here with us.
I love you and will keep you in my heart always.
David & Marilyn Peraza
August 21, 2023
Through my father, Jim Steinhauser, we were able to meet an amazing man who touched our entire family. Carl, your memory will stay with us - you have a special place in our lives and hearts. To your family, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Randy Pohlman
August 21, 2023
Carl made a huge difference for Nova Southeastern University. Carl not only made a major gift but he was an inspiration to me, faculty , staff and students. We are very proud to have named the business school building after him at NSU. He was so kind, generous and had the greatest sense of humor. He will be greatly missed!!
Adam Morgan
August 20, 2023
My deepest sympathies to Debbie, Dean and Damon. I will always appreciate and be grateful for the opportunity to work at Rexall Sundown and the impact of Carl's generosity and legacy on my family during the early part of my career. He was dynamic with great energy and fun to be around. He made everyone around him feel important and part of the team. Because of that, he motivated people to be their best. As time has passed since my Rexall experience, I have come to better understand and appreciate how lucky we all were to encounter a person like Carl DeSantis.
Adam Morgan, former Asst. General Counsel and VP New Business Development at Rexall Sundown (1996-2003)
Lauren Devine
August 17, 2023
You will be so missed, Carl! What a great man you are...a great mentor and wonderful friend. I am forever grateful to have been a part of your world and will never forget all you taught me and all you did for me and how many lives you touched in so many ways. You changed my life, I will love you forever!! Rest with God...I know wherever you are you are having fun and making people laugh.
Robert Domaine
August 16, 2023
Carl, Thank you for everything you taught me and for believing in me. I have thought about you often over the years and I am honored to call you a friend and a mentor. You were one of the good ones. Rest in Peace Carl. And to the rest of the DeSantis family, best wishes and prayers going out to you all. God Bless.
Joyce Perri
August 16, 2023
Joyce Perri
August 16, 2023
Joyce Perri
August 16, 2023
Carl DeSantis was my father's best friend during the best years of his life. They were a formidable combination. My father, Peter Perri Jr., was an 'old-school' self-made man, tough as nails, just like Carl. For much of the 90s they were inseparable. In Carl, Dad met someone he could respect and admire. For many years my father had succeeded in business at a high level, yet what Carl had achieved with Rexall Sundown was beyond comparison - a great American brand. As a business minded high school student, I grew to look up to Carl through my father who called Carl an operational and marketing genius. When I finally met Carl, it was in the context of a charitable donation to the athletic program at Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale. I went into Carl's office nervous to make "the ask", but left happy and feeling at ease. He had that 'it' factor, an undefinable charisma that you only encounter a few times in life. My father had it and so did Carl. I saw immediately why they 'clicked' as friends. Some years later, as an adult, I met Carl again at a charity event in Palm Beach. With his trademark charisma and generosity, he remembered me and we spent some time in conversation before he invited me to his office in Boca. It was around that time he was becoming involved in Celsius and I was fortunate to spend some time with him. Both he and Bill were generous with their time and mentorship. I am grateful to have known Carl and for the positive impact he had on my life. Men like Carl made our nation great. I hope and pray that we, as the next generation, can carry on the legacy of tenacity, wisdom, and charity. May God continue to bless the DeSantis family and grant solace in this time of sadness. What a blessing that Carl's legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. The world lost one of the greatest innovators of all time, and yet heaven gained a fun-loving saint with a heart of gold. I believe Carl and Dad are reunited and toasting lives well lived. With much love and sincere condolences, Peter Perri III on behalf of the entire Perri Family.
Hector Medolla
August 13, 2023
I hope you are resting in peace Carlo.just sad but hoping you are in a better place
Kim Taber
August 13, 2023
Soar with angels Carl! See you on the other side....Kim Taber
Carl was a life-changing presence in my life and I was honored to fly in his orbit. For your last "doech-an-doris" I will toast your boundless love of life. I know the saying is rest in peace, but my friend, I know you are at peace becau
Kay Renz
August 12, 2023
Carl was a life-changing presence in my life and I was honored to fly in his orbit. For your last "doech-an-doris" I will toast your boundless love of life. I know the saying is rest in peace, but my friend, while I know you are at peace because you did God's work on Earth, I know you are not resting! Your passion was helping people and transforming lives and I firmly believe God is already putting you to Heavenly work. All who knew you will be blessed by a very special Guardian Angel. With boundless gratitude, Kay
Sherri Lopes
August 12, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Memorial Events
for Carl DeSantis
Aug
21
Calling hours
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lorne and Sons Funeral Home - Delray Beach745 NE 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483
Aug
22
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Ascension Catholic Church
7250 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL
Funeral services provided by:
Lorne and Sons Funeral Home - Delray Beach745 NE 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483
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