Anthony "Tony" Santisi

Anthony "Tony" Augustine Santisi, 88, passed away peacefully due to complications from acute leukemia February 9, 2014 at Humility of Mary Hospice House. Born April 7th, 1925 to the late Antoinette (Messuri) and John Santisi in Girard, Ohio, he graduated Girard High School in 1942. At age 17 he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII on the USS Capable.After his time served in the Navy, he joined his father at Girard Market, which ultimately became one of the first Sparkle stores in the valley. For 30 years, Tony was the driving force behind Sparkle Markets, serving as the president of the Sparkle organization. In addition to operating the family's Girard store, Tony, his brothers, Frank and Donald (both deceased), partners, Tony Schiavone and Art Cohen (deceased) owned and operated a 14-store corporation of Sparkle stores. Tony served as the president of the corporation that operated during the late '50s through the late '80s. He also served as the president of Betsy Ross Foods, Santisi Produce co., and Institutional Foods Inc. Tony remained active at the family store, Santisi's Girard IGA Marketplace and Institutional Foods, up to the time of his passing.  Tony was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to play golf, fish, and play gin with his friends. Tony was a devout Catholic and actively practiced his faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Tony will be deeply missed by his wife of 64 years; Carmella (Micklas) Santisi whom he married July 20, 1949, his four children; John, Sam (Donna Takacs), Mary Frances (Eric Ebeling), and Anthony; his 7 grandchildren, and his 4 great-grandchildren; and sister, Josephine DeFrank and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.Tony was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank (Sal) Santisi, and Donald Santisi; and sisters, Petrina Vasko and Phyllis Gelsomino. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 12th, 11:00 AM at St. Rose Church in Girard preceded by a prayer service at 10:30 AM at the Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard.  The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 5-8PM at the funeral home.  Tony will be laid to rest at Girard City Cemetery. Tony's family would like to thank Drs. Slemmons, Hussein, and Krishnan, as well as the staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Humility of Mary Hospice House for both their devotion and special care.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tony's memory to Humility of Mary Hospice House, 9803 Sharrot Road, Poland, OH 44514. Or Leukemia Society.
Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the Santisi Family.