NORTH ANDOVER - William Santore’s greatest gift was his ability to care for all he loved as though they were his own. The North Andover resident, age 64, died peacefully on Saturday, May 21st,, surrounded by family and friends at Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers, MA, from complications of cancer.
He was born in Derby, Connecticut on November 21, 1946, the son of the late John and Katherine (Belko) Santore. He was raised in Seymour, CT, and attended Notre Dame Catholic High School. After graduating from Stonehill College in North Easton, MA, served as an officer in the Army Reserve. He married the late Aleta (Bredice) Santore and began working for Xerox in 1970. He then went on to spend over 35 years as a successful businessman and entrepreneur in the high-tech industry. In 2006, he retired part-time to embark on a second career as a Match Coordinator, first for Big Brothers Big Sisters, then for Family Service, Inc. of Lawrence MA. It was at this job he felt most fulfilled; he often said it fed his soul.
Bill was an avid sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He was an accomplished sailor and spent several years sailing extensively throughout Cape Ann. He was also a voracious reader who particularly enjoyed reading about American History and the Civil War. He was a tireless caregiver to his parents and nephew Robert when they grew ill, and grew very involved in the Newtown community where Robert and his family resided. In recent years, he was happiest when doting on his three adoring grandsons or spending quality time with his brother and two best friends.
He is mourned by two daughters and a son-in-law; Stephanie (Santore) and her husband Daniel Dehner of Brookline, MA. and Lauren Santore of Arlington, MA. A stepdaughter and son-in-law Andrea (Trombley) and her husband Michael Chrisstoffels of Londonderry, NH. A stepson Jeffrey Trombley of Manchester, NH. A brother, John F. Santore, Jr. and his wife Grace (Hoagland) of East Windsor, NJ. Three grandchildren; Owen and Oliver Dehner, and Maddox Chrisstoffels. Several nieces and nephews; John Micheal Santore of Derby, CT; the late Robert Santore, his wife Lorraine, and their children Geoffrey and Ashley of Newtown, CT, and Amy (Santore) and her husband William Brooks of Beacon Falls, CT. He is also survived by his best friend James DeCosta of Rockville, MD, James’ daughter Rachael DeCosta-Martin of Silver Spring, MD and her husband Stanley.
A memorial service was held at Cascia Hall, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, on Thursday, May 26th. Donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Family Service Inc., 430 North Canal St. Lawrence MA 01840. The family also wishes to thank the staffs of Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Hospice of the North Shore for the care and compassion they bestowed on Bill in his final days.