Salvatore Robert Santaniello, 82, of Mystic, passed away Monday, June 7, 2010, at the Apple Rehab of Mystic.
Sal was born in Providence, R.I. on May 21, 1928. He was the son of Gilda (Palmieri) and James Santaniello Sr. He married Mary Mahar on May 7,1955 in Providence, R.I.
He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College in New York City in 1950, and served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956.
Sal began his employment at the Navy's Underwater Sound Laboratory (USN/USL) in 1951 and retired in 1986 (from what was then renamed the Naval Underwater Systems Center.) During his 35-year career, he made significant contributions to the field of underwater acoustics as both a researcher and scientific supervisor. He authored more than 50 publications on his technical studies as well as directing and guiding numerous environmental acoustic and sonar research and development programs. Both as a scientific project leader and a branch head, he was a nurturing and caring mentor to the many young scientists and engineers who worked with/or for him, successfully guiding and counseling many such that they went on to earn scientific career distinction in their own right. Upon his retirement, in recognition of the volume, originality, and quality of his technical accomplishments, he was presented with the Laboratory's prestigious "Decibel" Award.
Following his retirement from civil service, he joined the Washington-based firm of Planning Systems, Inc. (PSI). At PSI, he continued to perform sonar research under contracts with the Navy for several more years, additionally serving as the manager of PSI's New London office.
Sal enjoyed coaching both Little League and Babe Ruth in Mystic, as well as Miss Softball America. His favorite interests included playing the piano, carpentry, vegetable gardening, and wine making. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Besides his wife Mary, he is survived by his brother, V. James Santaniello; a sister, Margaret Iacono; and was predeceased by a sister, Marie Bishop. He is also survived by his son, James Santaniello and his wife Shelly, of Needham, Mass, and three daughters - Patricia Beffa-Negrini and her husband David, of Nelson, N.H.; Joanne Santaniello, of Newport, R.I.; and Karen Brender and her husband Scott, of Kirkland, Wash. He is survived by six grandchildren, Shannon Kelly; Michael, Nicholas, and Kathryn Santaniello; and Samantha and Hanna Brender.
His family would like to thank all the caregivers, doctors, and nurses who have helped them and treated Sal with kindness and respect. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Southeastern Connecticut, of Waterford, Conn.; Beacon Hospice, of Mystic, Conn.; and/or the Joslin Diabetes Center, of New London, Conn.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Friday from 5-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, E. Main St., Mystic on Saturday at 11am with Fr. Brian Romanowski, celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Old Mystic.
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