Michael J. Santella

Michael J. Santella
Lifelong Norwalk Resident
After a brief illness, Michael passed away Friday, May 17th, 2013 at Norwalk Hospital, surrounded by his family. Michael was born May 9, 1922 to the late Patsy and Palma (D'Attellis) Santella. He was a lifelong resident of Norwalk, graduating from Norwalk High School in 1940. Michael was an avid golfer and fisherman and was extremely proud of his Italian heritage.
A veteran of World War II, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in October, 1942. Michael proudly served his country in the 96th Signal Battalion in India, Northern Burma, the Burma Road and China, providing communications to Chinese troops, Merrill's Marauders and Mars' task force in some of the most treacherous jungle and mountain terrain in the world. The Norwalk native counts himself extremely fortunate to have survived two German bombing attacks in the Mediterranean Sea off North Africa and near the island of Crete, Greece, where guided missiles, used for the first time in warfare, destroyed neighboring ships (notably, the HMS Rhona) in his convoy.
He was predeceased by his brother Joseph M. Santella and sister-in-law Mary. Uncle Mike is survived by his two nephews Pat Santella, and his wife Kathy, and Joseph J. Santella, as well as two loving grand nieces, Mary and Diana, all of Trumbull.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am, Tuesday morning, May 21st, at St. Joseph Church, 85 So. Main St., So. Norwalk. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery, Richards Ave., Norwalk. Friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, Monday, May 20th, at Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk . In lieu of flowers or mass cards, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church, 85 So. Main Street, So. Norwalk, CT 06854.
Uncle Mike's family would like to offer a special heartfelt thank you for the loving kindness and care provided by Dr. Arthur Heliotis and the staff at Norwalk Hospital's 9th & 6th floors & ICU. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please go to www.magnerfuneralhome.com.