Remo D. Santuccione

Remo Domenico Santuccione, born in Cepagatti, Pescara, Italy in 1941, passed away surrounded by the love of the family he built and cherished so deeply.

The son of a farmer, Remo learned early the value of hard work, humility, family and faith. As a young man, he proudly served as a Bersalieri for the Grenadier before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Cecilia DiStefano while in Germany in 1965. Together, they returned to Italy and remained for one year. In 1968, with courage and determination, he immigrated to the United States alongside his wife, two of what would become his six children, his in-laws and sister-in-law, Zelinda.

A skilled mason by trade, Remo built with his hands by day and worked the night shift at Price Chopper Supermarkets to ensure his family would never go without. Later, he fulfilled a dream of owning a restaurant in Edinburg, NY which he would eventually sell to care for his beloved wife at the start of her illness, a testament to the devotion that defined their marriage of 54 years.

As a devout Catholic he was shaped and hardened by the trials of his life while his faith in God kept his heart open, compassionate and unwavering in love. His strength was unmatched not only physically, but in his evident strength of character. When it became known someone was in need, he never failed to answer the call. His generosity and open nature were renowned, giving his smile, friendship and trust freely to all that were blessed to know him.

Family was everything to Remo, he loved them with an umatched ferocity that never wavered in his 85 years. Although he was not always a man to whom words came readily, he did not struggle in ensuring those he loved not only understood he did so, but never had cause to doubt. His greatest joy was gathering his loved ones around his table, tending to his garden, making his home made wine and sausage with family, and watching life unfold at what affectionately became known as his compound. The foundation he built so diligently here was not only of stone, but of faith and family which will stand for generations to come. Remo is survived by his six children: Dino (Janice), Marco (Carrie), Giuseppe, Giovanna, Lorenza (John) and Santa Maria (Don); his fourteen cherished grandchildren: Remo William, John Paul (Shawna), Amanda, Nicholas (Gabriella), Jacob (Veronica), Michael, Lauryn, Cecilia, Sebastiano, Sabrina, Taryn, Ava, Chloe and Emma ; three great grandchildren Delilah, Luca and Angelo. He is also survived by his beloved siblings: Iolanda (Italy), Anna (Australia), Andrea (Italy) and Don Francesco (Italy); and many nieces and nephews with whom he remained close despite the miles between them.

He was predeceased by his beloved and devoted wife Cecilia DiStefano

his parents Giuseppe and Filomena, and in laws Santos and Giovanna, his sister Maria, his grandson Robert, his great grandson Dino Angelo, his nephews Lucio and Giovanni, his brothers-in-law Antonio, Tonino, Massimo and Dino.

Remo’s legacy is one of faith, sacrifice, reslience and unwavering love. His life is a testament to what can be accomplished with faith, hard work, devotion and a generous heart, full of love.