Umberto Santoro Sr.

Umberto Santoro Sr. passed away peacefully at Lankenau Hospital on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. He was 84 years young. Umberto was born in Montella, Italy, on February 24, 1938. He was the son of the late Salvatore and Rachele (Rizzo) Santoro. Umberto met the love of his life, Marguerite (DiGiovanni) Santoro, in 1962 and they were married in 1964. They happily celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in September with his son Bert Santoro and his wife Emanuela, his son Matthew Santoro, and his daughter, Maria Conway and her husband Charles Conway. He was a loving and devoted pop-pop to his three grandchildren, Elyse Santoro, Shannon Conway, and Jacob Santoro. He is also survived by his brother Luigi Santoro, sister Gemma Perna, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Matteo and Maria DiGiovanni, two sisters, Mariangela Varricchio and Rosa Granese, and his brother Angelo Santoro.

Umberto completed all of his formal education in Italy before emigrating to the United States in 1956. He worked at Borzillo Bakery in Norristown, PA, and played first division for the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania from 1961 to 1963. He joined his brother in the constuction business and then was self proprietor of Santoro Constuction in Plymouth Meeting, PA. He proudly became a citizen of the United States of America in 1980. Umberto began working for BCM Engineering and happily retired in 2002 to help care for his grandchildren when their parents were working. Umberto was a dedicated member, former president, and active board member of the Holy Saviour Club where he enjoyed playing Italian cards, drinking espresso, and being a part of their feast committee. Headstrong with a big heart, he was always willing to lend a hand and his opinion. He religiously attended mass at Holy Saviour Church and enjoyed being a part of their senior citizens group. In his 50 years of living on Park Drive in Plymouth Meeting, he took good care of his home, garden, and pets. He loved making soppressata with his neighbors every winter and his homemade tomato sauce with his family every summer. Win or lose, Umberto was a loyal fan of Philadelphia Phillies and rooted for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Union soccer team. He always relished the opportunity to meet new people and became fast friends with his new neighbors in his retirement community. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Umberto's viewing will be held on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 8:30 to 9:45 AM, followed by his funeral mass at 10 AM in Holy Saviour Church in Norristown, PA. Entombment will be in Saint Patrick’s Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to the Holy Saviour Church or Holy Saviour Club. 

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Volpe funeral home. 
Volpefh.com

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