James L. DeSantis, age 89, of Waterford, died Sunday, January 18, 2015 at UPMC Hamot. Born in Brockway, PA on March 2, 1925, he was a son of the late Anthony and Susan DeSantis. James married Lillian Sporner on November 3, 1951 and she preceded him in death on January 2, 1999.
James was a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Army in France, England, and Belgium. He operated his own business, DeSantis Wall and Floor Covering, for over 50 years, and earned an excellent reputation for the quality of his work. He had many other talents, including oil painting and woodworking, and he loved his home and woods in Waterford. James was a member of All Saints Parish, the Seibenberger Club, and the American Legion Post 285. He will be remembered by his family as “the kindest and sweetest man on earth”.
In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Mary and Nora (Dolly), and four brothers, Dominic, Rudy, Tony, and Dan.
Surviving family members include his three children, David DeSantis and his wife Betsy of Erie, Mary Ellen Hemme and her husband Bruce of Erie, and James DeSantis II of Phoenix, AZ; also, three grandsons, Christopher, Justin (Amber), and Corey, and a great-grandson, Carter. He is further survived by his second wife, Rosemary Werner, whom he married in 2001, and her daughters, Victoria Stabile (Victor) of Carlisle, PA and their children Alexandra and Christine, and Constance Hillman (William) of West Palm Beach, FL and their children Heather and William (Amanda); also many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home Thursday morning with a prayer service at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at All Saints Parish at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Fr. Gregory Passauer will be celebrant. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorial donations are requested to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with James and his son, Jim. What terrific work they did in my home! James certainly had many interests, stories and, knowledge he shared freely. God bless you and your family.
Dear Mary, David and Jimmy,
My condolences on your lost. I have good memories of your family growing up in Waterford. My prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
Sincerely,
Rita Arnold Tejada
Mary Ellen and Bruce,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Our prayers will be with you not only today but in the days to come.
Al and Renee Hemme
With deepest condolences we are very sad to hear of your loss.
Our prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences. Jim was a wonderful man.