Thomas W. Santaniello

Thomas W. Santaniello, 69, of Springfield, passed away on January 6th, 2023, after a short but hard-fought battle with leukemia, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was born in Springfield on September 2, 1953, the son of the late John and Vivian (Gelinas) Santaniello. Thomas graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1971. Thomas was a devoted and hardworking family man. He worked two jobs for 32 years to make sure that his family was never without anything they needed. Thomas worked for the Springfield Fire Department for 32 years beginning in 1977 until he retired on January 5th, 2009. Thomas was heavily involved in the Local 648 union holding various positions before spending many years as its President. One of Thomas’ greatest experiences on the Fire Department was the day that his son Anthony joined the department. Thomas treasured the two years working together prior to his retirement.  On his days off from the Fire Department Thomas worked many years at Baystate Fence where he had the pleasure of working side by side with his son Thomas Jr. Thomas was an avid golfer and made many friends throughout the years. He especially enjoyed playing golf these past fifteen years alongside his golf partner, his son John. Thomas had many loves in his life; he loved and cherished traveling with his beloved wife, especially their annual 2-week vacation to Cape Cod. Thomas was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. Thomas loved and enjoyed being a father, but nothing gave him more pleasure than being a grandfather (PAPA). Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years of marriage, Diane J. (Bergeron) Santaniello of Springfield; three devoted sons John J. Santaniello II and his wife Amanda of Hampden; Thomas W. Santaniello, Jr., and his wife Kate of Monson; and Anthony P. Santaniello and his wife Sarah of Springfield. He leaves his five loving sisters Carol Kwasnik and her husband William of Marlton, NJ; Gail Malone and her husband Jack of Belchertown; Debra McNally and her husband Charles of Springfield; Barbara Messier and her husband William of Ware; and Tina Colucci and her husband Dave of Chicopee. He leaves his eight grandchildren who he absolutely adored, Anthony, Jr., Sadie, Bellah, Maddison, Evelyn, Christopher, Kaylani and Kyro. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 3P.M. – 6P.M. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield.  A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 10A.M. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William Street, Springfield. Burial will be private. Memorial contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.