Final Salute

Louis Frank Santora, Sr., born March 8, 1921, in Norristown, PA, passed away peacefully in the evening of January 29, 2021. He would have made 100 on March 8th of this year.

Lou is a WWII Veteran. He proudly served in the US Navy Seabees assigned to the 91st Construction Battalion. After returning from the Navy, Lou met and Married his late wife Rose and they started their family. Lou and Rose enjoyed a marriage lasting near 70 years.

Lou was blessed with and is survived by six children: Rosemarie Jones (Rick), Louis Santora, Jr. (Krista), A. Joseph Santora (Denise), Lawrence Santora (Dara), Barbara Weldele and George Santora. He was also the much-loved Pop to 20 grandchildren, great-grandfather to 42, and great-great-grandfather to 1.

Lou had a long career as a meat cutter. He started this career at the Family Food Center in Norristown, moving to Demetris Market in Bridgeport, and finally with Genuardi’s Supermarket (Safeway) where he continued to work until he was 85.

Lou moved to Sunrise Senior Living of Blue Bell with his late wife Rose in 2016. You always knew how happy Dad was because you could hear him whistling. This earned him the nickname from the residents as The Whistler.

Lou was more than a father he was a teacher and a friend to his children and grandchildren. He taught his children to treat people with respect (never judge people by their appearance). He taught not only with words, but with his actions; he treated everyone he met with respect and courtesy. And, “please” and “thank you” were a huge part of this lesson.

Lou taught his children leadership qualities before leadership was in vogue. He would constantly say “if you are going to do a job, do it right, or do not do it”. Of course, the latter was not an option. Lou had a strong work ethic which carried through to his children and grandchildren. He would arrive early to work, and not leave until his work was done to his satisfaction. He loved to do projects around the house and would love his children to help. These were great learning experiences for his children. And, as his children grew, they always brought Lou in to help with their projects. These were special memories for all.

Lou had many interests including fishing, horseshoes, playing Pinochle, and playing his harmonica. His family has fond memories of Lou teaching them to fish in the local creeks, swim at Greenlane Park, crabbing at Toms River, and just sitting out in the grass whistling at the birds. Lou would tell his grandchildren that he could talk to the birds through whistling and they would talk back. Lou had a great sense of humor. The funniest part of it was he never seemed to remember the punch lines.

Lou loved spending time with his grandchildren. He would take them fishing or spend time doing projects with them. They have memories of Lou building a doghouse and a backyard swing. Lou would make up songs with them to whistle together; his favorite was a jellybean song.

Lou’s family would love to celebrate his life with a memorial service but given the current situation and health concerns due to COVID, the family will have a private graveside service and plan a Celebration of Life for Lou in the Summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Louis F Santora Sr.

Family care entrusted to Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Life Celebration Home of East Norriton.
To share your fondest memories of Lou, please visit www.lifecelebration.com, 610-277-7000.