Mr. Alfonse J. "Al" DeSantis

April 24, 1935 - January 15, 2021

UTICA – Mr. Alfonse J. “Al” DeSantis, age 85, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021, with his devoted, faithful wife and loved ones by his side. Born in Utica on April 24, 1935, Alfonse was the son of the late Giuseppe and Carmela (Buccolo) DeSantis. He attended Mary Street Grammar School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1954. At the age of 12, Al helped his father build the family home on Leeds Street. By the age of 14, he worked at a lumber yard where he assembled window frames. Al also worked as a woodworking apprentice for a contractor at this very young age. He ran a contracting business, building homes for Howard Hoffman Realtor throughout his high school years. Astonishingly, Al built his first house for a customer at the age of 16! He then went on to build kitchen cabinets and countertops for spec homes. Al was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. He served his country with honor for six years, from 1957-1963 with the rank of Private-2. He went on active duty for six months stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, where he taught carpentry in the Army Reserve Station Hospital. On May 24, 1958, Al married the former Kathleen “Kay” Guido. They shared 62 years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters. Al continued his contractor business and built countertops for Sears & Roebuck throughout these years. In 1969, Al founded DeSantis Door Company and operated the business out of his garage. By 1981, the company moved to 1227 Conkling Ave, where he ran this successful business with his daughter and son-in-law, Carm and Joe Zutter. In 2018, Al retired from his career that spanned 71 years. Al and Kay moved to New Jersey to be closer to their daughter MaryRose and her family. Al was beloved by family, friends, and patrons for being a man of integrity. He was a “Master Craftsman” and a true perfectionist. Al was a hardworking and knowledgeable man who was always open to sharing his craft. He will always be remembered for helping others, pleasing his customers, and being as honest as the day is long. Al was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he and his wife Kay always attended Saturday afternoon Mass at 4:30 pm. Al is survived by his devoted wife, Kay; the memories of his daughter, Carmelita A. “Carm” Zutter (June 1, 2018), and his son-in-law, Joseph A. Zutter (July 6, 2018); his daughter and son-in-law, MaryRose and Michael Cerminaro; his grandchildren, Joseph Jr. and Erin Zutter, Dr. Matthew and Dr. Morgan Zutter, David M. Zutter and Christina Meola, Alec, Russell, and Marcus Cerminaro; and his great-grandchildren, Isabella, Bryce, and Gianna Carmelita Zutter. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Janice Caravaglio, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Salvatore and Mary Guido, and his in-laws, Marilyn and Pasquale “Pat” Leone, and Francis Caravaglio. The family would like to thank Al’s caregiver, Apollonia “Anne Marie” Mack, for her devotion to Al. Anne Marie was compassionate, empathetic, and attentive to Al’s every need. She continues to be a true blessing to the DeSantis family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Al’s funeral service and celebration of life. The funeral will commence on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at 11:00 am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Social distancing, registration for contact tracing, and a mask covering your nose and mouth will be required. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations in Al’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org or by mail to 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the service. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Al’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.