Vito A. "Nappy" DeSantis

Mr. Vito A. “Nappy” DeSantis, age 80, of New Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on March 31, 1927, Vito was the son of the late Anthony and Victoria (Cofano) DeSantis. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1945 graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Nappy served his country during World War II from 1944-46 as a motor machinist, receiving the Pacific Medal, the American Theater Medal, and the Victory Medal. He also served in the National Guard from 1950-51. On November 25, 1948, Thanksgiving Day, he married the former Gloria Gentile with whom he shared 59 wonderful years and was blessed with a beautiful family. Vito’s career as a distribution manager yielded him various positions over the years. Beginning in 1950 he worked in the Stamping Division at the Rockwell Standard Corporation, and later as a traffic coordinator at the Radio Corporation of America. He subsequently served as manager of distribution at Millar Supply, Inc., the General Electric Company/Audio Electronics Product Department, and the Friedrich Climate Master Division, the company from which he retired in 1989. But his most important position in life was that of family man. He loved spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. A humorous man with a lively laugh and a spirited smile, he enjoyed a good game of pinochle or poker, and he was an avid golfer. Most recently, Nappy enjoyed his trip in September 2007 to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 1376, and the Knights of St. John Commandery #385. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Vito is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria; his adored children and their spouses, Elizabeth and Stuart Finer of Clinton, Patricia and Samuel Slade of Clinton, Candace and Kenneth MacDonald of Duanesburg, NY, and Maria and Ronald Zdrojeski of Port Washington, NY, and Robert and Mary DeSantis of Whitesboro; his cherished grandchildren, Ian and Jesse MacDonald, Samantha, Gloria, and Samuel Slade, Nicole, Jacqueline, and Jennifer Zdrojeski, and Alexander and Nicolas DeSantis; Julie and Andrew Finer; and his beloved great-granddaughter, Victoria Elizabeth Kern. Survivors also include his sister and brother-in-law, Angeline and Donald Entwistle of Mohawk, NY; his brother, Pat DeSantis of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Vito was favored with many dear and cherished friends too numerous to mention, but especially acknowledging John Fusco, Jiggs Giacovelli, and Helen Tebsherany. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Grace and John Calandra; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael A. and Rose M. DeSantis, and retired Lt. Col. Joseph and Shirley DeSantis; and his in-laws, Dorothy DeSantis, and Lena and Joseph Camarra. The family extends gratitude to the New Hartford Fire-Rescue Department and Edwards Ambulance Service for their efforts and care. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. The members of the Knights of St. John’s Commandery #385 will assemble at the funeral home at 6:30 for ritualistic services. Vito’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Vito A. "Nappy" DeSantis

March 10, 1927 - January 19, 2008