The Life of Dr. Salvatore Michael Santella
Sadly, Salvatore Michael Santella, MD, of Easton, passed away from COVID-19 on his most cherished day of the year, Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020, while listening to Broadway tunes provided by his youngest grandchild. Sal was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marilyn (Bradley) Santella in 2014. He is survived by his three children: Robert and Lori (McCawley) Santella, Kathy (Santella) and John Fitzpatrick, and Marie (Santella) and Greg Beyer, and his nine grandchildren, all of whom filled him with pride: Dan, Julie, and Mary Santella, Erin (and her husband, Cory Cousart), Shannon, John, and Kristen Fitzpatrick, and Amy and Rebecca Beyer. He is also survived by his loving partner, Flo Courtright. Sal was close to his Connecticut niece and her husband, Carol (Pirro) and Steven Gabriel, his Iowa sister-in law and her husband, Deb (Bradley) and Ken Waters, and was loved by many nieces and nephews.
Born in East Norwalk to Nicholas and Anna (Vena) Santella, Sal was a graduate of Fairfield Prep beginning a lifelong journey inspired by the Jesuit motto, “a man for others.” He continued his Jesuit education at Fairfield University and Creighton University Medical School. At Creighton, he met a young, warm-hearted nurse from Iowa, Marilyn, whom he married in 1956, and together they raised their family in Bridgeport. They enjoyed many adventures including skiing in New England and a six week self-guided tour through Italy.
Dr. Sal worked as a Family Practitioner in Bridgeport and Fairfield for 34 years. He was the Chairman of Family Practice at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Director of Student Health at Fairfield University. After retirement, he and Marilyn spent time reading and storytelling to young children in the Bridgeport Public School System and helped establish the 9/11 Easton Memorial. He was passionate about education and established a close, generous relationship with his alma maters.
Sal loved visiting with his grandchildren. He enjoyed Broadway, Italian restaurants in New York City, local theater and dining out, and occasional New England excursions. He made wonderful memories in Italy and Hawaii. Sal was active, bright, and witty. Even at 89 years old, he could still pull one over on his family with a serious face. At age 87, he was the proud ring bearer at his oldest granddaughter’s wedding. As a parishioner of Notre Dame of Easton, he had a strong Catholic faith, an integral part of his life.
A private family graveside service is planned with a Memorial Mass at a later date.
Donations in Dr. Sal’s memory may be made to the Scholarship Fund at Fairfield Prep
https://www.fairfieldprep.org/support-prep/give-online, or the Scholarship Fund at Fairfield University
https://www.fairfield.edu/alumni-and-friends/support-fairfield/index.html or the CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund https://www.ctrestaurant.org/relief-fund-donate.html
To send condolences, please visit www.spearfuneralhome.com
“If we pray to become an instrument of God, it will happen, and we may not
be aware of it at the time, but God will reward us in a way we least expect.” (SMS)