Avid storyteller who enjoyed walking the beach, boxing and horse racing
MELROSE — Robert J. Santo passed away at 89 years of age. Bob was a man of many passions. He loved his wife, family, beloved husband of Marjorie M. Santo (Hall) (deceased) of Melrose. Loving father of Stephen P. Santo (Charlene) of Brockton; Nancy L. Ambrosino (Anthony) of Middleton; Sandra J. Santo of Melrose; and Robert C. Santo (Bridgette) of Manchester. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Bob was a man of many passions. He loved his wife, family, walking the beach with Margie, horseracing and boxing. He was an avid storyteller, sharing stories of his life with everyone. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob loved people, coming alive when he was deep in conversation with someone or when in front of a crowd. His charisma and outgoing personality was extended to everyone: friends, colleagues, neighbors, cashiers, servers, caregivers or someone passing by. Bob prided himself on his incredible memory, remembering details from events long ago.
Bob put family first always. He and Margie loved when their house was full of family and friends. Margie would cook and Bob would tell his stories. Bob was married to Margie for 62 years. Since her passing he has often quoted the poem, “Tomorrow Never Comes”, reminding everyone to hold their loved ones close. He continued to tell his stories, but most of them were about his loving wife as his heart was broken beyond repair. Theirs was a true love story. May Bob’s stories never be forgotten or the love they shared.
Bob was most appreciative of the education provided to him by the Xaverian Brothers of Malden Catholic. For that reason, Bob chose to remember Malden Catholic in his estate, providing a generous bequest to the school, in order to make possible the “MC experience” for future students and families.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He will always be remembered as a man of great integrity who loved his family above all.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with funeral services immediately followed in the funeral home at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend the burial in Oak Dale Cemetery in Middleton. In lieu of flowers, contributions were made in honor of Robert and Marjorie Santo to the Malden Catholic Scholarship Foundation, 99 Crystal St., Malden, MA 02148. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.
