Mr. Ronald T. "Ronnie" Santino

UTICA - Mr. Ronald T. “Ronnie” Santino, age 82, went home to his family who passed before him, at the chosen time on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on April 8, 1935, Ronald was the son of the late Samuel and Angeline “Angela” (Talerico) Santino. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School where he excelled in gymnastics. At one time he was married to the former Paulene Lentricchia and to that marriage came two beautiful and loving children and a lifetime of friendship. In 1987 he married the former Deanna Giacovelli. A son blessed their lives and they shared many happy and fun-filled memories. And all of his loves are congenial and close to this day! As a young man, Ronnie joined his family business, Utica Veal, where he worked as a foreman for many years. Subsequently, he and his late brother-in-law Joe Perrotta became co-owners of Woody’s Wings and Things, the first food venue of its kind in the Utica area. He was also a great salesman and worked at United Auto Sales for 25 years. It was during those years that his knowledge of automobiles and his ability to match up a gleaming car with the right owner developed. That was the main occupation for which he will be remembered. The owners looked upon him as their right-hand man. He also assisted his wife Deanna in her family business, Lynton’s Restaurant at the corner of York and Thorn Streets where he took on the roles and responsibilities of bartender and maitre'd. Ronnie had the gift of conversation and he loved people. He will be remembered for making people laugh with his many animated stories. He had the honor of holding several titles including ‘Utica’s Oldest Teenager’, and ‘One of the Best Dancers’. He loved the sounds of all genres of music, and the smells of scented candles and burning incense. Entertaining guests in his home was a perfect night for him. Ron had a boss and best friend in Teaco, his chihuahua canine companion, and they were inseparable as they strolled the neighborhood side by side with great pride. He also loved the sight of his tribal and personal tattoos that adorned his body, including one of Teaco. He enjoyed treating family and friends to Roma’s Tomato Pie, and his homemade meatballs. His unique life force and personality will surely be missed. He was one of a kind. As a patriarch, Ron was a part of his kids’ lives and their leisure activities. He was in the stands at his son Ron’s sporting events, and visited with his daughter Rhonda and her family at their gentleman’s farm. He attended his son Zachary’s basketball games and they enjoyed the Utica-Rome Speedway, and WWF wrestling. Syracuse University basketball was one of Ron’s favorite passions and pastimes. He spent many years customizing motorcycles and prepared for each season tinkering with his choppers enabling him and his ‘pack of friends’ to travel the roads of the north country and… beyond. He was also a pool shark especially with his Friday night clan. Ronnie believed in the Lord and relied on his faith to sustain him. Ronald is survived by his two true loves and best friends, his first wife, Paulene, and his second wife, Deanna… and what a lucky man; his children which became a well blended family; his daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Tod DeMulder of Unadilla; his sons and daughter-in-law, Ronald V. and Laurie A. Santino, and Zachary A. Santino, all of Utica; his step-daughter, Donielle Scogna Stanton; grandchildren, Tegan and Jake Fairbairn, Tyler, and Tonya DeMulder, Tosh and Kati DeMulder; Rylee, and Lainee Santino and their mother, Daina Bennett-Santino; step-grandsons Nick, and Bob Julian; and his great-grandchildren, Tristan, and Tenley; Tianna, and Taelyn, Saige Grace; Philip DiPerna, Donovan McLean, and D’Andre McLean. He also leaves his aunt and uncle, Thomas and Lucy Talerico; nieces and nephews, Sam Santino, Daniel Santino Jr., Michael Santino; and Angela Azzarito; Frank and Patti Perrotta, Estelle and Michael Seakan, Vincent and Marie Perrotta, and Dana (Farouche) Todd, as well as her children; his great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and in-laws, Barbara Santino, Geraldine L. “Gerry” (Perrotta) and Ronald J. Ling, Lynarda Girmonde, and Donna Johnston. He was blessed with many longtime friends especially, Louie Diana; and his coffee buddies Ron and Joe. Throughout his life he had a host of friends who treated him as family. He was predeceased by his brother, Daniel J. Santino Sr.; his in-laws, Joseph F. Perrotta, DeeDee Girmonde, and Alan J. Johnston. The family extends their appreciation to Ron’s primary physician, Dr. Arul Kannon; oncologist, Dr. Merima Ramovic; the staff of the Regional Cancer Center and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, 1st Floor, and the PCU; Dr. Ghassan Koussa and his staff who were exceptional; and the personnel at the Alan Calder Wing. Each of these health care providers was caring and empathetic in making Ron and his family comfortable; and Deacon Paul Lehmann who offered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a contribution in Ronald’s honor to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Ronald’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Sister Betty Giarrusso, CSJ officiating the ceremony.

Mr. Ronald T. "Ronnie" Santino

April 8, 1935 - May 11, 2017