John T. DeSantis

9/30/1947 - 3/11/2025

Niantic - John T. DeSantis, 77, of Niantic, passed away peacefully March 11, 2025. He was born Sept. 30, 1947, to the late John and Josephine DeSantis of New London.

John's early years were spent in New London, where he attended New London High School and played football throughout his four years before graduating with the class of 1966. That same year, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of E5 Sergeant. Following his military service, he worked at Amtrak, the Connecticut Labor Department and briefly as a car salesman.

In 1982, John became a proud member of the Laborers' Union and dedicated his career to the trade, serving in officer positions until his retirement. His unwavering commitment to fellow veterans defined much of his life; as a life member of AMVETS, VFW, DAV, and VVA, he worked relentlessly for over fifty-five years to support those who had served.

A man of deep faith, John was an active and devoted member of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Niantic. He will be forever remembered by his sons, John and Joseph DeSantis; his daughter-in-law Brittany DeSantis; his two granddaughters and grandson; his brother Thomas DeSantis and sister-in-law Cyndi DeSantis; as well as his nephew Kyle DeSantis; and niece Eliza DeSantis-Slowik.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Avenue, Niantic. After a brief prayer service at St. Mary Cemetery, 600 Jefferson Avenue, New London, a reception will be held at noon at the Waterford VFW, 382 Boston Post Rd., Waterford.

John's legacy of service and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort and strength to all who mourn his passing.