Neil Francis Santoro Sr.

SANTORO Neil Francis Santoro, 74, of Ponte Vedra, Fl. lost his fight with cancer on Jan. 5, 2011. He had been a patient at Baptist Hospital since December 16, 2010. Neil was born on July 22, 1936 to Alyce Santoro (Metcalf) and Francis Dominic Santoro of Brockton, Ma. He was a graduate of BHS and studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music for several years. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Air force where he was stationed at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva N.Y. His background in singing with his church choir and a local quartet, "The Galloneers" won him an audition to the Air Force choir and the choral group the Sampson Aires. He was invited to sing with the group on the Air Force Radio Station. This group was known as the "Tops in Blue". They sang at the White House, appeared on the "Arthur Godfrey Show" and sang on the sound track of the movie "The Strategic Air Command". His duties included a tour in Korea followed by recruiting state side. Neil was made Airman of the year by the Air Force in 1955. He was honorably discharged in Oct. 1962. He performed in numerous local theater groups and did a memorable performance as Elmer Gantry, in "The Rainmaker". His civilian life included many Managerial roles and he became the National Manager of Store Fixtures/Sinage/Millwork for Office Depot at their headquarters in Delray Beach, Fl. Neil married Gail Marie Santoro (Depalmo), his wife of 13 years, and the couple moved to Jax upon Neil's retirement. He loved a good game of Golf, Bridge or Pinochle and spending time with family and friends. Neil is survived by his wife, Gail; his sister, Margaret Santoro (Sheibley); his children: Shari Myers (Ed), Neil Gary Santoro, Mia Brennan (Bill), Andrea Kelly, Nicole Walters, and Neil Francis Santoro, Jr.; his stepchildren: Daryl Staskey (Kelly); Bryan Staskey; John Scippa; Marie Malone (Jeff); Lauren Bragdon; Maureen Weed; his grandchildren: Amanda, Ashley, Hanna, Nick, Vincent, Dominic, Kenny, Megan and William and a new great grandchild Patrick, and numerous other step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Sanctuary of The Mandarin United Methodist Church, 11270 San Jose Blvd., Jax. Fl. on Friday Jan, 14th at 11:30 AM with fellowship to follow at 1:30 PM at the Mandarin Senior Center at 3848 Hartley Road in Mandarin. The family requests that donations to: St Jude's Children Hospital or the National Cancer Society be made in Neil's name in lieu of flowers.

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