Claudio Santini, of Medford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving and grateful family, Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, following a brief illness. He was 82. Claudio was the beloved husband of Frances (Pugliares) Santini and together they shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Fosciandora, Italy he was one of five children of the late Pietro and Giuseppina (Torlai) Santini.
Claudio immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 with his family. They arrived through New York and settled in Somerville for a period of time prior to making their home in Medford, where Claudio has been a resident since 1977. Always on the move, Claudio was full of energy. He was an extremely hard worker and over the years he worked in the Transportation Industry, Restaurant Industry, the Construction Industry, and most recently as an Importer of Italian Liquors. Claudio was a true people person and always a true gentleman, greeting you with a warm smile and pleasant hello, making friends wherever he went. He loved a good conversation, telling stories or sharing a silly joke, especially with his grandchildren.
Claudio and Frances loved getting together for regular card games with some of their dearest lifelong friends. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and always looked forward to his annual hunting trip in Pittsburgh, New Hampshire, where he loved the comradery more than the hunting. Over the years he also loved to travel back to Italy, spend time and visiting with family and friends. He loved to have a good time and not worry about the little things in life. His family and friends meant the world to him and that’s all he needed. He was so proud of not only his immediate family but his extended family no matter what their accomplishments were, whether big or small, He was just proud of them all and loved to share in their joy.
Claudio's greatest joy was truly his family. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by those he loved, especially his loving wife, son, daughter and his adored grandchildren and great grandson, "the apples of his eyes". Claudio was always present for his family and in a moment’s notice he would travel to the end of the Earth for them if needed. Claudio will fondly be remembered for his constant energy, unwavering devotion to his family, and his love of life. He will be greatly missed.
In Addition to his beloved wife Frances, Claudio is survived by his devoted children, Michael Santini and his wife Mindi of York, ME, and Lisa C. Dello Russo and her husband David of Wilmington. He was the loving and adored nonno of Olivia Sholik and her husband Jonathan, Julia Dello Russo, Anabel Santini, Ava Dello Russo, Matteo Santini, Riley Henriques, Mia Henriques and great grandson Jonathan David Sholik. Cherished brother of Caterina Bertolaccini and her husband Ralph, Georgio Santini and his wife Katia, Maria Cristina Ferrini and her husband Andrea, the late Oreste Santini and his surviving wife Dolores. He is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD, Saturday, May 11th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. As an expression of sympathy please consider making a contribution in Claudio's memory to the Italian Home for Children, 1125 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
For the livestream of Claudio's services please use this link:
Livestream Link