Francis Santolla

Francis Santolla

Francis Xavior Santolla Sr. of Saddle Brook, and more recently of Manahawkin, passed peacefully at the age of 94 after an extended illness. His loving family wishes him well on his wonderful crossing into Heaven. Born in Jersey City on Oct. 13, 1926, he resided there as well as North Bergen, Passaic and eventually Saddle Brook, where he raised his family.

Frank, as he was known to all, graduated from Saint Peters Prep in Jersey City. Born into the Greatest Generation, he served his country proudly, enlisting in 1944 with the United States Navy. He was a motor machinist, serving on USS Haskell APA 117 (a new ship of that year), and on other ships in the South Pacific. His naval tour took him to such places as the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal and the Hawaiian Islands. Frank was very proud of his service and shared various naval stories. One memorable event was a return to the US, months after the surrender of the Japanese empire. The ship made port in Pearl Harbor on New Year's Eve; It was an extraordinary event, with every ship firing a volley of ordnances into the air! Frank later enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served on the Lake Erie and Lake Michigan shipping lanes.

After his eventual return home to New Jersey, Frank applied his mechanical prowess to the textile industry. He worked for American Lace in Hackensack and was eventually hired as a technician/foreman and designer for Beacon Looms Inc. in Teaneck, and was there until his retirement. Frank was a communicant of Saint Philip The Apostle Church in Saddle Brook. He was also along time member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his dedication to his family was unprecedented. Frank enjoyed spending time with them at the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City or wherever else his family looked for his company. He particularly enjoyed the beach and ocean, and he was a big fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. Frank was also a very artistic person and his family benefited greatly from his talent. Friends of his children would remember him and his wife for their generosity and patience, in allowing some “legendary gatherings” at Sterling Place in Saddle Brook! Godspeed Francis; it was a full and blessed life. You were the best. Your family in Heaven is most certainly there to welcome you home.

Frank was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Liberta (nee Errigo), as well as his parents Phillip and Veronica. He is survived by his sister Rosemary of Delmar, Del., as well as his eldest son Philip and wife Gail of Lanoka Harbor, twin son Sal and wife Maura of Brick Township, twin son Frank and wife Regina of Barnegat, youngest son Joe and his wife Gina of Saddle Brook, and his very devoted daughter Anna Maria, also of Saddle Brook and more recently of Manahawkin. He is also survived by his eight loving grandchildren, who affectionately called him Pop Pop: Ryan, Frankie, Matt, Jimmy, Paul, Eddie, Nick and Jenna, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation or the Department of Veterans Affairs would be greatly appreciated.