Michael S. Santora

WORCESTER - Michael Santora passed away peacefully on March 29th, at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family after a brave battle with cancer.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Carol (Miller) Santora, their daughter Heidi Nano and her fiancé Andrew Lehtonen of East Templeton. Mike was a loving brother to Stephen and his wife Elizabeth, Mary Brach and her late husband Kenneth, Susan Roome and her husband Reginald, and Mark and his wife Anna. He was the beloved grandfather of Ian and soon to be grandfather to Bradley and Mark. He also leaves several nieces and nephews Matthew, Jason, Andrew, William, Jeffrey, Catherine, Michael, Alex and Valerie.

Michael was predeceased by his mother Rose (Latino) Santora and his father Augustine Joseph Santora better known as “A.J.” during his stellar crossword puzzle career.

Raised and educated in Grafton, Mike excelled in school, making the honor roll numerous times culminating with his induction into the National Honor Society. He distinguished himself in athletics as well earning ten varsity letters and was ultimately inducted into the Grafton High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was especially proud to be tri-captain of the SWCL champion football team and in basketball was a member of the starting “5” better known as the “M” boys who reached the district playoffs. Following high school Mike furthered his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institution where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering as well as excelling on the football team achieving All New England honors. After graduating from college and while working as a civil engineer, Mike served his country in the Massachusetts National Guard. Soon thereafter he met and married Carol who was the love of his life. They built their home in Worcester and raised Heidi there spending decades of devoted family life with each other.

Mike was a smart and talented individual and put those qualities to great use in his professional life. He served proudly as Town Engineer in Milford, Massachusetts for 29 years where he successfully completed numerous important projects over that long career.

In retirement, Mike remained active by participating in numerous fun-filled activities including golf where he was a proud member of the Grafton Senior Tour. A few trips to Foxwoods and some on-line bridge were also “in the cards”. But most of his leisure activities were shared with family members. Mike and Carol were frequent moviegoers and spent many hours each week at the local gym keeping in good shape. Friday night “dine outs” were a regular thing that they never missed. And staying at home reading volumes of books enhanced their mutual bond. But above all their most cherished memories were the countless New England vacations spent with Heidi and Ian in which Mike was able to be the best “Papa” ever.

He will be missed by everyone but never forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Mike's by gathering for a time of visitation on Thursday, April 3rd from 4 to 7 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

His funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, April 4th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a committal service in Central Cemetery, Millbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org 

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If you would like to send flowers to these services Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com