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BORN
1938
DIED
2017
John DeSantis Obituary
John R DeSantis of Palm Springs, CA, passed away on June 29th, 2017 in San Diego, CA. The youngest of three children, John was born on December 4, 1938 in Kenosha, WI to Angelo and Angeline DeSantis. John attended Kenosha Bradford High School where he was a standout athlete and graduated in 1957. He later married Suzanne Holt and started a long, successful and happy career in the golf industry. He became the Head Golf Professional at Nippersink Manor Resort in southern Wisconsin in 1959, where he taught golf to people of all ages, managed a resort course and promoted both the game and the resort for almost 30 years. John made countless friends during his years at Nippersink and will always be remembered for his positive nature, his quick wit, his genuine smile and his generous spirit.
During the off seasons, John traveled and worked as the golf professional at various locations, including Hollywood CC in Florida, the Dorado Hilton in Puerto Rico, O'Donnell GC in Palm Springs CA, and his final golf stop was at Desert Princess CC in Palm Springs where he continued to teach and mentor until he retired. As a life member of the PGA of America John worked in many capacities. He was the head of the rules committee for the PGA for several years, and very active in the Wisconsin PGA and Junior Golf. John was a pioneer of teaching golf in the '60's and '70's, featured in Golf Digest and other publications for his innovative techniques. John's passion for golf was as infectious as his laugh. He loved life and lived it well and will be missed tremendously by so many.
John is survived by his loving wife Suzanne, his brother James DeSantis, his sister Ann (DeSantis) Costanzo, his three children John DeSantis of Poway, CA, Kathie (DeSantis) Hugin of Milwaukee, WI, and Lisa (DeSantis) Adams of Portland, OR, along with their respective spouses, and six grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be private. If you are inclined to make a donation in John's name, the family thanks you and asks only that you choose a cause that reminds you of him and the time you shared with him.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John DeSantis
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
Chuck Conrad
July 15, 2022
It's the 150th British Open this week. So a toast "Johnny I hardly knew yee."
Chuck Conrad
July 10, 2021
I think of Johnny every time I step on a golf course and the many things he taught me.
Chuck Conrad
July 22, 2019
I still think of him often.
Chris Cantwell
October 25, 2017
I can speak for my entire family and especially my father when I say John was a wonderful man! He always had something nice to say and a hello to give. He was held in such high regard by so many and I'm lucky enough to have spent some of my childhood summers around the man!!
See you on the other side John!! Rip
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Liz White (Seagren)
September 27, 2017
My thoughts go to Sue and the entire DeSantis family. John never gave me a golf lesson (horses were my chosen passion), but he was a wonderful friend to our whole family both on and off the course. While my parents are gone, the surviving Seagrens still have precious memories of John playing football in our yard, making wine in our house, sharing spaghetti that Sue and he prepared and infusing his trademark laughter through it all. Somehow he left everyone feeling better about life in general. John was such a warm and gracious human being. His passing will do nothing to erase all the smiles he left us.
Paul Minkus
July 31, 2017
I remember a very kind person who was a friend to all NIppersinkers. He taught me how to play golf and made us feel that he cared and that we were welcome at the pro shop and on the golf course.
Chuck Conrad
July 30, 2017
Dear Sue and Family,
I only have fond memories of you and Johnny. He was absolutely the very best. He taught me many lessons about both golf and life which I carry with me to this day.
Joan and I send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to you.
Joan and Chuck Conrad
Susan Missner
July 24, 2017
Johnny was the golf teaching Whisperer. He had a real gift - lucky me to have been a student of his for so many years. I hold fond, fun and endless memories of Johnny. My condolences to the family.
Susan Missner
July 24, 2017
Johnny was a fabulous friend and golf mentor to our family for over 20 years in Nippersink and Palm Springs. He gave us so many terrific memories. Our heartfelt condolences.
Arnold and Vivian Missner and family
Jim and Joan Diamond
July 23, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 17, 2017
I am very sad to hear of Mr, DeSantis' passing. He was a wonderful man and I had the privilege to care for him since 2001. He was one of my first patients when I arrived in Palm Springs to start my medical practice. I also had the privilege of having a few golf lessons with him. May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to his wife, Suzanne and his children. Warmest wishes, Dr. Erik Palmer
Rosemary Hunkeler
July 17, 2017
The last time I saw Johnny or your family was 20 years ago at the family reunion. But I remember him well as a child and high school student. He was smart, witty, sweet, and popular, a good friend to all. My sympathy is with his family. (First Cousin) Rosemary (DeSantis) Hunkeler
July 16, 2017
Rest in Peace, Uncle John. The many great memories of time spent with you, Aunt Suzie, and Johnnie, Kathy, and Lisa in Wisconsin will live on.
Lynn Hollett
July 16, 2017
Hi Sue-- so sorry to hear about John. Still have great memories from Nippersink Day Camp golf days. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the whole family. Lynn Conrad Hollett [email protected]
Christine Micus
July 16, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Theresa Urban
July 16, 2017
John will always be in our hearts and minds for the humor, joy, and professionalism he brought to Nippersink. Our sincere condolences to your family.
Theresa & Bud Urban and family
KELLEY
July 16, 2017
MAY T HE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
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