Stephen Santella

1954 - 2021

Stephen A. Santella, 66

Oxford - Stephen A. Santella, 66 of Oxford died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at UMass Memorial - Clinton campus.

He leaves his wife of 42 years, Judith E. Forsberg Santella, a sister Sherry Santella of Florida, a niece Taryn Santella and partner Ryan Greenwood of Rhode Island, many cousins and two sisters-in-law, Ann, wife of Edward St. Germaine, Dorothy Forsberg and partner Obdulio Rodriguez, and his mother-in-law, Nell Forsberg, all of Worcester.

He also leaves three extended family sisters, Lucy Pendell, and Maura Conlon of Boylston and Chris Johnson of Worcester. He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Gloria Santella.

Stephen was born in Bermuda and resided in Lancaster, Massachusetts for many years until after graduating from high school he made the decision to serve his country and enlisted in the Army.

He was an accomplished keyboard player and while he was in high school he studied under jazz musician Allan Mueller, who introduced him to the music of the great Jazz organist Jimmy Smith. He loved it. He decided he wanted to play just like that. Under Allan's private guidance, in a short time he composed his own original music for himself, his music group, and his high school band. He enjoyed accompanying Allan to some of the old Worcester jazz clubs. Later in life he played keyboards for many years with several rock bands.

Stephen loved the state of Maine and helped his father build several cabins in Carthage when he was a teenager. Later he built his own for his new wife with the help of his bandmates and special friends, Tommy Boston, Ronnie Boston, Tex Cheroff, and Philip Giansanti.

He was currently employed by Jabil/Nypro corporation in Clinton MA as a software and robotics engineer. He traveled all over the world to add his expertise to many projects. He loved his career choice and chose to delay his retirement for an extra year when he was asked to stay to help out during the pandemic. He was to retire this October and was looking forward to many new adventures including spending summers in North Waterboro, ME.

Funeral services will be private and in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave., Worcester. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of choice.

ricefuneralhome.com