Rocco Santoni

 Our beloved Dad, Rocco (Rocky) Santoni, 96, passed away on June 14th, 2021, after a lengthy illness, at Elizabeth Church Manor.  Dad was born on August 25, 1924 in Binghamton, NY.  He was predeceased by his wonderful wife of 67 years, Mafalda (Torto) Santoni, his parents, Louis and Frances(Tagliaferri) Santoni, his in-laws Rose and Thomas Torto, his much loved aunt and uncle Mary and Carlo Santoni, sisters, Helen (Muzzie) Palmieri and Mary (George)Chesna, as well as sisters-in-law Dolores Santoni, Marietta (Ralph) Piscione, Amelia (Joe) Wilcox, Viola (Nick) Quaranta, and Renee (Karl) Schmand, brothers-in-law Funzy Torto and Albert (Adeline) Torto. 
Dad is survived by his children, Carol and Phil Murphy, Lou and Maureen Santoni, Kathy and John Perkins, and Linda and Bob Wasko.  Dad is also survived by his 10 cherished grandchildren, Lori, Dan, Katie, Sarah, Maggie,  Stacy, Brian, Melissa,  Steven, and Matthew,  and 12 great children, whom he adored, Casey, Duncan, Patrick, Michael, Caroline, James, Stella,  Rocco, Giana, Gabriella, Henry, Christopher and Jaxon.  Dad is also survived by his brothers Dominic and Ann Santoni, Sam and Fran Santoni, sisters-in- law, Rose Marie Torto and Rita Torto, and many special nieces and nephews. 
Dad was raised on Pine Street in Binghamton during the Great Depression. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on his 18th birthday, and served as an MP in the South Pacific for much of World War II.  He was employed by Kroehler Mfg. Co and later retired from  Broome County Probation.  He was a proud member of the Son’s of Italy Lodge #1916 for over 50 years, and an avid supporter of the VFW and American Legion. 
Dad worked many nights and weekends at his first love, music.  He was a talented saxaphone and clarinet player. He performed with many orchestras,  including the Terrell Masters Orchestra, Gino Calistri Orchestra, and Al Hamme.  
Dad’s family was everything to him.  We have so many wonderful memories from our beach vacations, holiday celebrations, and our weekly Sunday dinners.  Dad and Mom always enjoyed their trips to Aruba and Las Vegas with family and friends. Dad never did hit the lottery at OTB, Vernon Downs or Monticello, but it did not stop him from trying!  Dad always had a $20 bill for any grandchild lucky enough to be around, and was an amazing grandfather and great grandfather.
We would like to thank everyone at Elizabeth Church Manor for their wonderful care and kindness. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 16, 2021 from 9:15am until 9:45am at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Binghamton, NY. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10am. Internment will be held at Vestal Hills Memorial Park with Full Military Honors. Arrangements are with Albert J. DeMarco at the Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home Inc.

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