JAMES VINCENT SANTOMASSIMO

FUNERAL HOME

Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center

1655 University Drive

Coral Springs, Florida

JAMES SANTOMASSIMO Obituary

Jim passed away on July 25, 2016 at Broward Health Fort Lauderdale. Jim, 81, was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his unexpected passing. Born in New York City, New York on March 19, 1935, he graduated from St. Agnes High School at the age of 16 and went on to Hofstra College on Long Island, NY., for two years before joining the army. His professional life started as a dance instructor for Arthur Murray, before evolving to a very successful career as an architect, project manager, design manager and ultimately, a consultant for several high-profile construction projects in New York City, NY., including the former Time Warner Building and the original Nike Store. Jim retired at the age of 50. During his professional and post professional years Jim was an accomplished athlete, winning a myriad of awards and championships in baseball, semi-pro football, basketball, racquetball, golf and tennis. Jim flourished in competition and continued to play golf and tennis up to the day prior to his untimely passing. He was also the founder and 1st President of Three Village Little League baseball. After retirement, Jim stayed active in the community serving on various boards and posts, including the Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation board, where he was passionate in providing recreation facilities for all of Pompano Beach's residents. Jim's other passion was travel. He and his wife completed 137 cruises together, visited every continent in the world, including the majority of the worlds most recognized cities and regions. Jim's greatest passion of all was his family, as he rarely missed a game, dance, graduation or event of his 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He is survived by his wife and lifelong dance partner of 56 years, Martha Rios Santomassimo, his daughter Gia Marie Brennan, her husband Greg Brennan and their 3 children Gregory, Tyler and Marissa of Setauket, NY; his eldest son Vincent Santomassimo of Pompano Beach, FL., and son Rod Nicholas Santomassimo, his wife Launa and their 2 children, Giana and Nicolas of Cary, NC.. Services for Jim will be held at St. Henry's Catholic Church located at 1500 South Andrews Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 at 11 AM., Monday August 1, 2016. In lieu of flowers family requests contributions be made to one of Jim's favorite charities, Autism Speaks, https://www.autismspeaks.org/ in his memory. Arrangements entrusted to KRAEER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, Coral Springs, FL. (954-753-8960)

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Published by Sun-Sentinel on Jul. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES SANTOMASSIMO

13 Entries

Joan Sim

August 7, 2016

Martha and family, I am so distressed to hear that Jim passed away. I always enjoyed your generosity at the tennis parties at your home, and Jim's enthusiasm and fun on the courts. I will miss him this winter when I return to Pompano. My condolences.

Edward & Carla Nelson

August 5, 2016

Deepest sympathy to Martha and the family. Jim's passing is a terrible loss, not just to his friends and family, but the to the entire community where Jim worked selflessly to make Pompano Parks and Recreation the best it could be.

Watching Jim and Martha burn up the dance floor encouraged my wife and I to take dancing lessons. And we think of you whenever we dance.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed & Carla Nelson

Ben Mostkoff

August 4, 2016

Dear Santomassimo Family,

Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences at this very difficult time.

It was my great honor to know Jim briefly as I met him for the first time in April of this year. He kindly and generously offered his assistance and involvement in an issue relating to a contracting process being employed by the City of Pompano Beach for the reconstruction of the City's fishing pier.

His knowledge of construction was encyclopedic, his wit razor sharp, and his keen sense of humor a part of every conversation. I was so impacted by the magnitude of his persona that after our initial meeting I relayed to my wife that I had met a person that had completely and forever changed my perspective on the potential for vitality and purpose upon retirement.

I valued each and every one of our conversations as Jim always shared some wisdom and insight into his extraordinary life. In one of our first conversations he spoke of his love for his family and told me a story of explaining to a client in New York that his son's sporting events would always come before any business meetings that they would have to schedule. He went on to explain that the client wisely understood and that Jim never missed a game.

I did not know of Jim's dedication to the very important Autism Speaks organization. I would have shared with him that my wife Debbie is a School Psychologist with Broward County Schools and works with the pre-K population. She and her team are often the first to evaluate and diagnose Autism in children of 3 to 5 years of age. Jim and Debbie would have had profound conversations about this neurodevelopmental disorder.

I feel privileged to have known Jim and will cherish his memory always.

I wish the Santomassimo family great compassion and peace as you remain in my in thoughts and prayers.

Fernando Valencia

July 29, 2016

A great sorrow for the passing of my good friend Jim. I was lucky to share pleasant moments in your company. From the distance of Venezuela you will always be in our thoughts . You will always be in our memories.
Fernando Valencia ( Caracas, Venezuela )

Eddie Sposa

July 29, 2016

I want to thank Jim for being the influential force in getting me appointed to the Director of Tennis job at the Pompano Beach Tennis Center 5 1/2 years ago. When I would see him on occasion I would tell him "Jimbo, I owe you lunch"...that was the standing line every time we saw each other. Well brother "lunch" will be on me next time we meet.....God bless... and you and your family will be in my prayers.

Laura Stewart

July 29, 2016

My husband I offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time.

Laura and John Stewart

Jo-Ann and Richard Scalici

July 28, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to Martha and Family. The last five years have been very special knowing Martha and Jim. That spark that Jim added on the tennis court will certainly be missed...a true leader and loved by all. May God Bless Jim, Martha and your entire Family. May he rest in peace.

July 28, 2016

Martha and Family,

Our sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Jim.

Tony & Norma Phillips
presently in Providence, RI

Frank Sciame

July 28, 2016

Jim's obituary speaks to the incredible, love and respect he had for Martha and his family - family was the "#1 Priority" in his life.
As a dear friend he was a joy beyond what words can express and he will be sorely missed.
As someone who worked with Jim in the Construction/Real Estate world for over 40 years I want to add that it is simply not possible to calibrate the positive influence this man has had on our Industry. Nor to count the number of Laborers, Craftsman, Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, and Industry Leaders of all Stripes who owe James Santomassimo a huge measure of Gratitude and Respect. I am the very first among them.
Frank Sciame

Joanne & Peter

July 28, 2016

Childhood memories of my cousin, Jim are special to me. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but I know that he lived a full and good life. The world has lost a special person.Our love and condolences to Martha and to his family.

Brian F

July 28, 2016

What a life lived and what a great Dad he must have been to produce sons like my friends and colleagues Rod and Vince

Donald Gabriel

July 28, 2016

God bless you James

July 28, 2016

A great guy, who always made your day a little brighter....Will miss you Jim...Godspeed and may your family find peace and tranquility in the days ahead....
Sandi Hight
Skowhegan, Maine

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