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Light Drizzle World War II veteran Joseph Santillo dies at 95
Lifelong Inwood resident Joseph Santillo, a World War II veteran and retired Nassau County police officer for 36 years died on Oct. 16. Santillo was 95.
“My dad believed in three things, he believed in his God, family, and country. He loved the United States. He loved this adoptive country of his,” said Joann Piccininni remembering her father.
Born on Oct. 4, 1927, Santillo made his way to the United States from the small village of Pietrelcina in Italy with his mother and younger brother in his teen years. The goal was to join his father in the U.S. for a better life and opportunity. America gave him that and more. To repay his gratitude, Santillo joined the Navy and served in World War II. “He always believed in giving back,” Piccininni said.
Often teased that he lost his hair due to participating in the fleet testing for the atomic bomb used in World War II, Santillo had a great sense of humor and a smile on his face regardless of the situation. “Kind, generous, always a smile on his face,” said David Hance, president of the Inwood Civic Association.
Santillo was a part of two Inwood-based organizations with Hance, the Sons of Italy and the civic association. With the Sons of Italy, he served in many positions on the Governing Board, from president to secretary, and remained active until his death. Santillo was a trustee and was awarded the civic association’s Man of the Year in 2015. He served as chaplain for both organizations.
Also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1582 of Inwood, he was very active in the organization serving as commander.
“He was a good friend,” said VFW member Miguel Martinez. “If I needed him, he would be there.” Martinez would recall seeing Santillo with his buddies occasionally, poking fun at the youngest member. “He and his crew between the ages of 80 to 90 gave the young guys a hard time. But that was all in fun,” he said. “I’m the youngest.”
Vince Santo posted on Facebook: “RIP my friend Joe, I truly miss and remember those many meetings at the VFW where we had many discussions. You will truly be missed at all the Inwood functions.”
Not only was he respected in the Five Towns, his military service earned admiration in another state. “I’m in Arizona, and my dad came here, and he proudly wore his World War II hat,” Piccininni said. “He said to me one day, ‘You know Joann, I have to take this hat off!’ because you won’t believe how many people came up to him and said ‘thank you for your service’ to him.“
Services were held at Meserole Five Towns Funeral Home in Inwood on Oct. 26 and Oct. 27. Followed by a funeral Mass on Oct. 28 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Inwood and will be buried at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale after the Mass.
Santillo was pre-decreased by his wife, Dina. He is survived by his daughters, Joann, Susan, Patricia, and five great-granddaughters.
