John Santucci

1923 - 2018

The handsome and charming John Santucci, "Papa", was born in 1923 in Frosinone, Italy. He and his large family immigrated to Rochester, New York in 1939. While his brothers and father opened a meat market, in 1943 our dad joined the Army and became a paratrooper with the 11th Division - 511th Parachute Infantry Airborne. In the Philippines in 1945, Papa took a 20mm explosive shell to the chest, which lodged in his left shoulder. Placed in the dead ward, after several days a field surgeon noticed that Papa was alive with a strong heartbeat, took him to surgery and removed the live shell along with his left lung. During a three-year recuperation stateside, Papa met our wonderful mom, Julia. Married in Fulton, New York in 1949, they moved with their two boys, John and Jim, to Desert Hot Springs in 1957. Over the next few years, Joe, Jerry and Janet were born.

Papa was an active member of the early Coachella Valley community, serving on the volunteer sheriff department, volunteer fire department, doing construction at Angel View, and hosting charitable events for the Boys & Girls Club.

A lover of fine food, Papa opened a couple of meat markets over the years, eventually diving into the restaurant business. For over 35 years, he served the best Italian food and steaks in the valley at the Capri Italian Restaurant, receiving multiple awards for top dinner house in Southern California. Retired in 2009, Papa spent his time laughing with his grandchildren, hiking in the desert, drinking great wine and eating the best steaks. He was a proud veteran who never lost touch with his Army buddies, attending yearly reunions over the last 40 years and counseling Viet Nam veterans in need.

Papa was our Superman - brave, strong, confident, present, kind, loving, warm, generous and funny. He is adored by his children and grandchildren, and will be greatly missed. Our dad's heart was broken when Nana passed, and we take solace knowing that they are together again.

John is survived by his sons John, Jim (Sharon), Joe, Jerry (Eve), and daughters Janet Sullivan (James) and Allyson Harmon Santucci; grandchildren Cara, Christopher, John Paul, Anthony, Michael, Vincent, Sofia, Mia and August Sullivan; and greatgrandchildren, twins Brody and Charlton.

We would like to thank Atria Palm Desert Assisted Living for their kindness and care, and Brentwood Board & Care for their loving attention and compassion.

Services are private.

The family suggests donations made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV -https://www.dav.org) or Angel View (https://www.angelview.org/Make-a-Donation

FitzHenry-Wiefels Palm Desert has been entrusted with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Santucci

Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.

17 Entries

Renae Samaan

January 31, 2021

I miss you John and the food you always made so wonderful and full of love! Thank you for some beautiful childhood memories.....until we meet again, love you

Carl Fiorini

January 31, 2021

Miss you my Uncle, and always will. Thank you for all you did for me.

Palma Fiorini-Burke

January 31, 2020

I adored our Uncle John, always so much fun. I remember how excited we kids would get when both Uncle John and Aunt Julia were coming to visit. There was, of course, absolutely nothing like it as when each of us would get to stay with them for one week during Christmas break. I always remember the rides in his convertible on hot summer days and the ice cream cones they would buy for us. Oh, what a mess we were (and the car) while trying to eat ice cream going 50 miles and hour in a convertible--but it was a good laugh. We adored Uncle John.

Margaret Coward

March 18, 2018

I was married to your cousin, Carl Fiorini and visited your wonderful family in 1966. I remember uncle John as one of the most kind,warm and loving people l have met in my entire lifetime- so sorry for your loss-

Carl Fiorini

February 9, 2018

My condolences To John, James Joe, Jerry and Janet and all of your families, as well as all of your extended families. John Santucci came into my life when i was 7,and became my Uncle when he Married my Aunt Julia in 1949. I didn't know how blessed i was until i grew older.

He bought my first Bicycle , sporting balls, taught me how to swim, and bought me a pure white huskie (he named him Jet.) All of this came from his heart.

Needless to say he played a valuable place in my life and my heart for all of his life and mine, I could write volumes of all the love we shared.

Thank you my Uncle, your Dad, for so much love.

May you rest in peace with your Julia.
Your Nephew, Carl

Christine Williamson-Osborne

February 8, 2018

My thoughts & prayers go out to the entire Santucci family.
Bless you all during this difficult time

Jeanne Dremel

February 8, 2018

I am so sorry for this loss to the Santuccci family and to the many that he impacted or fed with his wonderful food! A loss for so many! Sending prayers of comfort and much love!

Patty Meddleton

February 8, 2018

Dear Santucci Family, I am so sorry for your loss but smile at the beautiful tribute written of your dads life. I will always enjoy memories of his Palm Dr. market holding hands with my mom while she picked out meat for the best possible dinners. Your family helped make DHS a lovely and friendly place to grow up in during the 60's and 70's. My heart and prayers goes out to all of you.

John and Ellen Tomassi

February 8, 2018

So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man, kind giving and a great personality. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to all the family. The Tomassi's

Jane Basanda

February 7, 2018

So sorry for your loss Janet.

What an amazing man who had an even more amazing life.

He will now live forever in your heart and memory.

My thoughts are with you and your entire family and this extremely sad time.

All my love and my deepest condolences,

Jane

Palma Burke

February 7, 2018

I am from my Aunt Julia's side of the family and live in NY State where all my memories of Uncle John took place. That was a long time ago. However, memories of this beautiful man never fade. When they were planning a Sunday visit, we use to watch out the window until they arrived. I'll always remember the one time that he and Aunt Julia took us for an ice cream cone in a "convertible". Only Uncle John would dare do that. Well, we were covered in ice cream, but its the memory of the man that is so special, and the many, many acts of kindness that he showered us with. Rest in Peace, dear Uncle John as we hold the beautiful memories you made for us.

Palma (Fiorini) Burke
Saratoga Springs, NY

Doris & Dennis Thorson

February 7, 2018

We were so sorry to hear about John's passing but happy that we were able to visit this amazing man in late Dec.

John was a wonderful husband and father, who loved his wife and family above all else. He was an entrepreneur, who was responsible with his wife Julia for the best restaurant DHS had to offer and the best steaks in Coachella Valley . The Capri was a meeting place for old friends, club meetings and parties for the community.

We first met in 1960 and have since left DHS. We will never forget the wonderful memories we have of those First 20 years in DHS. Our children grew up together and there were baptisms, first communions, school activities, graduations, weddings and then grandchildren that we shared.

We are so proud to have known this wonderful man and call him our friend. RIP dear John.

With love and Sympathy from our entire family

Dennis & Doris Thorson

Palma Burke

February 6, 2018

Sorry, let me finish. We have always remembered him and will until we meet our Maker. I hope the first part of my message did not get lost.

Rest in peace, Dearest Uncle John

Love,
Palma Fiorini (Burke)
8 Coesa Drive
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

HARRY LOUKATOS

February 6, 2018

My condolences to Jim and the family. I remember meeting your father at the Capri. He was an amazing man. God be with him and your family.

Robin Thomas and Louis Jacobs

February 5, 2018

Among our favorite memories of our years in Desert Hot Springs are of the hours spent at the Capri . The legacy of hospitality and philanthropy begun by John and Julia enriched our community. Our condolences to all the Santuccis on their loss.

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