Joseph L. Santos Sr. of Plymouth, 86, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 15, 2009. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Marilyn (Nichols) Santos, his son, Jay Santos and his wife Carol of Plymouth; daughter Lisa and her husband Peter Duggan of Plymouth; son Phil Santos of Fort Pierce, FL; son John Santos of Naples, FL; and daughter Eunice Fortini of Plymouth. Joe also leaves behind five grandchildren, Danielle, Coryn, Joe, Jessica and Bradyn and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Eunice DeRogatis.
Born in Pardilho, Portugal and raised in Plymouth, Joe was the son of Antonio and Palmira (Valente) Santos. Joseph owned several businesses including Jose’s Diner in Kingston, Jay’s Drive-in in Kingston and J.J.’s in Middleboro. In 1942 Joe joined the Navy. He served in WWII from 1942-1946 and the Korean War from 1951-1952. Joe participated in the invasion of Normandy, crossing the English Channel on his 21st birthday on D-Day. Joseph enjoyed spending time with family and was an active member of Plymouth United Methodist Church and was involved with the Habitat for Humanity.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 21st at 1 pm at the Plymouth United Methodist Church, Carver Road, Plymouth. Visiting hours will be Friday, Nov. 20th at the Richard Davis Funeral Home, 373 Court St., N. Plymouth from 5-8 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Cranberry Area Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360 or to the charity of one’s choice. On-line condolences may be made at richarddavisfuneralhome.com