Michael Santillo, Sr.
October 5, 1934 - May 22, 2022
Michael Santillo, Sr., affectionately known as “Tooch”, passed away unexpectedly at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE on Sunday, May 22, 2022.
Michael was born in Bernardsville, NJ on October 5th, 1934 to the late Dominick Santillo and Catherine Santillo (DeLuca). Michael was a resident of Bernardsville, NJ until November 1996 when he moved to Newark, DE.
Michael was a longtime member of the Elks organization in New Jersey, worked at his family’s business, Santillo Brothers Garden Center for many years, provided his attention to detail to the Basking Ridge Board of Education for 20 years and then for the Christiana School District in Delaware for 10 years, before retiring. Throughout his life, he was always best known for providing kindness and generosity.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Josephine “Phinny” Santillo (Donofrio), his three children, Catherine, Dominic and Michael Jr. and four grandchildren, Jenna Moore (Santillo) and her husband Eric, Joshua and Andrew Santillo. He also leaves behind a host of cherished family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tooch’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38102 or by clicking here or to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or online by clicking here.
Erica Pelischek
To the sweet Santillo family and friends ! My heart breaks for you guys. He was an amazing man, I am so blessed that I got to meet him and embrace how much he loved all of you !! I am sending you all the love and prayers from Kansas !
Anthony Cavaluzzo
Farewell Tooch, great memories growing up, you will be missed Rest In Peace old friend.
Alicia Bianchi
Our family will not be the same without you Uncle Mickey . I know we’ll find comfort in each other and we”ll get through this together. You were loved by everyone May you rest in peace until we all meet again Tell Nana an Grandpa Hello for me
Patty Forder DeLeo
So sorry for your loss. Tooch was a good friend to my parents Rosie & Duane Forder.
Rita Mueller
“Uncle Tooch” as me and my siblings knew you… We know you’re already with the Lord and all the angels. You were that special here on earth. May you Rest In Peace as you await your loved ones in the Heavenly Kingdom. To the family and especially Cathy, May God send His peace and love and comfort to all of you through the support and love of family and friends.. Tooch was a kind man and such a family man.. always loved him..
… Rita Mueller ❤️😇🙏
Joanne and Bob Wieczorek
Phinny and family sorry to hear of Tooch’s passing. Great memories. May he RIP🙏🥲
Tosha Pendergrass
Uncle Tooch was definitely one of my favorites!! He would always pick with us then laugh if we took it seriously! He had a great smile & he loved his family so much! My thoughts & prayers are with everyone! I love you all
Sandra & Ray Dakak
Josephine, Cathy, Jena, Michael, Dominic and the Santillo Family. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies.
Stephanie Dowches
I have fond memories of Tooch from Bernardsville as a child at so many events and when being on Bernards Ave when we lived there. So much love to your family and condolences from our family.