Obituary for Gerald Santo Print Santo, Gerald, Former resident of Somerton in the City of Philadelphia “Jerry”, as he was known, passed away on Wednesday February 6th, 2019 at the age of 93. Born on August 1, 1925 as Giro Santagata he was raised in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Active in playing baseball at Fernhill Park he also participated in gymnastics at the Germantown Boys Club.
He attended Simon Gratz High School, graduating in 1943. Immediately after high school graduation in 1943, he joined the Navy during World War II where he served as a Radioman 3/c. His tenure in the Navy took him to New Guinea, Borneo and the Philippine Islands.
After discharge from the Navy he entered Temple University where he earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. His first job after graduation was in Market Research. Subsequently he joined the new “Reform” administration of the Philadelphia city government.
In his capacity he worked in the Finance Dept. , the Prison System and the Fairmount Park Commission. He left the City to manage the John F. Byrne Golf Course in Torresdale.
While employed he was a member of various organizations, such as the National Jail Association, Council on Crime and Delinquency, and the American Correctional Association and the Recreational Council. While living in Germantown and a member of St. Michael of the Saints R.C. Church he was instrumental in establishing the first Credit Union in the parish. He served as Director and the first Treasurer of the organization.
In addition, he volunteered at the State Hospital for the Mentally Ill (Byberry). His other volunteer work included tutoring school students in both public and parish schools. He was a member of Saint Katherine Drexel Knights of Columbus where he served in various capacities, such as Recording Secretary and Chairman of the Catholic Activities Committee.
Jerry was a member of St. Christopher’s R.C. Church and a member of its 50+ Club. His first marriage was to Phyllis Rita Raffaele. He had a subsequent marriage to Mary (Del Vecchio) Marconi performed in 1985, who predeceased him.
Although a major part of his life was spent in Philadelphia, he also lived in Brigantine, N.J. and Inverness, FL. Surviving Jerry are his three sisters Louise Giunta, Dolores Lawrence, and Eleanor Ludvico. Also surviving are his two daughters Janet M. Santo, Maria G. O’Leary and her husband John O’Leary and his son Gerald F. Santo together with his four Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren.
Also surviving Jerry are his two stepdaughters Sandra Marconi, Cynthia Hickman and her husband Dean Hickman, and his stepson Kenneth Marconi and his wife Lydia Marconi together with his 4 step grandchilden. Family and Friends are invited to his viewing on Wednesday February 13th at 9:30am to 10:30 AM at Adams Perfect Funeral Homes, Inc. 1650 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225. After the viewing a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish Church, 1421 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225 at 11:00 AM.
Interment will be held at Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by and condolences at www.
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