Carmino J. Santaniello, Sr.

West Springfield - It is with saddened hearts that the Santaniello and Velosky families announce the passing of Carmino J. Santaniello, Sr., loving husband, compassionate father, and loyal friend to all who knew him. Carmino died peacefully surrounded by his family at Baystate Hospital on June 6th at the age of 82 after a brief illness. Known as �Moose,� Carmino was born on November 30, 1932 to the late Saverio and Antoinette (Santaniello) Santaniello. He grew up in Springfield�s South End, where he forged many lifelong friendships. As a youth, Carmino was the consummate athlete, participating and excelling in many sports, including basketball, football, and boxing. Carmino attended Springfield�s Technical High School, after which he held several jobs until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953, where he proudly served until an injury caused him to be honorably discharged and recognized as a disabled veteran. Following his military service, Carmino worked as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service. He spent the majority of his postal career at the Springfield Main Street office and served as president of the local chapter of the Post Office and Mail Handlers and Group Leaders Union. He retired in 1987 after 32 years of federal service. In September 1956, Carmino married the love of his life, Marlene J. Matte of West Springfield. The couple moved to West Springfield where they lived the American dream� building a home in a quiet suburb surrounded by caring and supportive neighbors and raising two children of whom he was very proud. Throughout his life, Carmino�s love of sports continued. He especially loved candlepin bowling�bowling many 400 series at the former State Bowl�as well as golf, gambling at local casinos, and playing cards. He was a longtime member and former president of the Marconi Club and a former member of Ludlow Country Club. Those who were privileged to have Carmino in their lives will forever remember him as a kind-hearted, generous gentleman who enjoyed the company of good friends and family. He was particularly proud of his Italian heritage and was especially fond of hosting large family gatherings for traditional Italian meals at his home with family and friends. In 2008, he fulfilled a lifelong ambition when he travelled to Italy, accompanied by his granddaughters Stefanie and Ashley, to visit his ancestral home of Bracigliano, a province of Salerno, Italy. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Springfield, where he was baptized and confirmed. He is predeceased by his wife Marlene, who died in 2007, his brother Ralph, who died in 2001, and his trusted German Shepard Schotze. Carmino is survived by his son Carmino and his wife Donna of West Springfield; his daughter Gina Velosky and her husband Richard of Feeding Hills; his brother Frank of Belchertown; his grandchildren Stefanie Santaniello and her fiance� Nate Buynicki, Carmino J. Santaniello III and his fianc� Loni McEwan, Samantha Santaniello, Carlee Santaniello, Christopher Santaniello, Ashley Sullivan and her husband Ryan, and Angela Almquist and her husband Alex; his soon-to-be-born first great granddaughter Gianna Rose Almquist; and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours are on Monday, June 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the TOOMEY-O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, 1043 Westfield Street in West Springfield. Carmino�s funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 16th, 9:00 at the funeral home, 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William Street in Springfield, followed by a burial in St. Thomas Cemetery in West Springfield. The family would like to express its deepest gratitude to the staff of Baystate Medical Center�s Emergency Room and the Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit, with special thanks to Christine Santaniello. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Springfield UNICO, P.O. Box 1131, West Springfield, MA 01089.