Barbara Jean (Cardamone) Santino

February 13, 1936 - February 11, 2021

UTICA – Barbara Jean (Cardamone) Santino peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, two days prior to her 85th birthday. A promise, made to her by her daughter, Barbara passed away with dignity in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on February 13, 1936, Barbara was the daughter of the late Frank and Rose (Falzarine) Cardamone. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1954. In 1957, Barbara was married to Daniel J. Santino who passed away on October 12, 1971. From that marriage came the blessing of four beautiful children who adored her. During her working years, Barbara was employed at Griffiss Air Force Base as an Administrative Assistant for the Civil Engineering department, retiring in 2003. She enjoyed her career at Griffiss and developed many friendships with people from all over the country. She lived simply and cherished and appreciated anything she acquired. Her strong character allowed her to live life on her own terms. As a mom and grandmother, her family was the center of her world, always putting their needs before her own. She was an excellent cook, as well as baker. Barbara always wanted her home to be a gathering place for holidays and Sunday dinners, and those memories will live on in the hearts of her family. She enjoyed many summers at her sister’s camp at Sylvan Beach and later at her family’s camp at White Lake. Barbara loved sitting around the campfire with her family, reminiscing about stories of yesteryear. Barbara is survived by her four children, Samuel Santino, Daniel Santino Jr., Michael Santino, and Angela Azzarito; grandchildren, Dr. Nicole and Michael Monescalchi, Gabrielle and Joseph Salerno; and Francesca Azzarito, who helped care for her grandma, and Francesca’s father, Gerald Azzarito; great-grandchildren, Joseph Salerno, and Rocco Salerno who is due to be born in March. She is also survived by a sister, Judith Calhoun; sister-in-law, Paulene Santino, and friend and neighbor of 62 years, Mary Della Galla. Barbara also enjoyed the years she spent with Gene Falvo, her one-time companion. She shared a special bond with her two granddogs, Ruby, and Simba. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her grandson, Michael Guzzardo; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lillian and Constantino Prestigiacomo, Marian and Joseph Favata, and Frances and Joseph Chambrone; brother and sister-in-law, Peter and JoAnn Cardamone; in-laws, Ronald Santino, and Robert C. Calhoun; and childhood friend, Jackie Guido. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care who helped her family care for Barbara in the final week of her life; and the staff of Acacia Home Care; they are truly angels. The family will honor and commemorate Barbara’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barbara’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 11:15 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. Memorial contributions in Barbara’s honor may be considered to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org or by mail to 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Barbara’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.