Pasquale Santora

WORCESTER – Pasquale A. "Pat" Santora, 89, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, March 6th 2008 in St. Vincent Hospital. Pat was born in Worcester, a son of the late Marco and Filomena (Grande) Santora, He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade and has lived here all his life. Pat served his country proudly aboard the Prometheus, the first warship to embark in China with the United States Navy during WWII and Korea. He was a founding member, past commander several times, house chairman and an active member of American Legion Post 201 where he leaves many long-time friends. For more than 60 years Pat has organized the placement of American flags on Veterans graves in St. John's Cemetery every Veterans Day and Memorial Day to honor the memory of Worcester's deceased veterans. Pat worked as lead man, Machinist for Coppus Engineering over 40 years before retiring in 1981. He also served as the Boilermakers Union President at Coppus. After retirement he volunteered his time at St. Francis Home. Pat organized many fund raising activities for charitable organizations including the American Cancer Society and Eastside Post 201 and participating in many activities at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish where he will be missed by friends and associates. He earned many awards and citations for his Community service, Veterans Services and Child Welfare work. Pat will be remembered as a man who was deeply devoted to his family and friends. His hobby was to use his talent and "ingenuity" to provide a helping hand to whoever and wherever was needed. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel parish, a charter member of its Golden Years, A cofounder and Life Member of the Eastside Post 201, American Legion, the Pope John Council Knights of Columbus, and the 4th degree Bishop O'Reilly assembly, Pat's wife of 57 years Louise (DeSantis) Santora, passed away in 1999. He is survived by a son, Mark Santora, his wife Ling and their son, Steven all of Shrewsbury; A sister, Mary Gentile and her husband Vincent; and a brother Nick Santora all of Worcester; His companion of the last five years,Virginia Macaruso; many nieces and nephews. A sister Julia Aiello pre deceased him. Pat's funeral with Military Honors will be held Saturday, March 8th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a mass at 9:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with his family from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Members of the American Legion Post 201 will meet at 7 p.m. in the funeral home to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions ma be made to his beloved Eastside Post 201 American Legion, 326 Plantation St. Worcester.