Francis S. Santoro, 81, of Prospect, formerly of Monessen, died Tuesday, December 21, 2010 in V.N.A. Hospice Care Center, Butler.He was born in Monessen on January 4, 1929, one of eight children to the late Carmine and Christina (Fiocco) Santoro. Fran played football for Monessen High School, graduating in 1947. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, enlisting twice and serving during the Korean War. He met his bride of 48 years, Katherine Lukach Santoro, at a party in the Monessen City Park, and they married on Nov. 24, 1962. While living in Monessen, Fran was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 954 having served as Grand Knight. He was Eucharistic Minister at the Epiphany of Our Lord R. C. Church, and was a former member of the Legion of Mary and the Mon Valley Leathernecks. He was currently a member of St. Christopher's Parish in Butler. Fran retired from the former Hercules Chemical Plant in Donora. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons; Francis S. (Sharilyn) Santoro Jr. of Reserve Twp., Daniel (Kellie Jo) Santoro of Butler, David (Barbara) Santoro of Davenport, IA, Timothy (Kimberly) Santoro of Pleasant Hills, a brother, Patrick (Mary Jane) Santoro of Butler, a sister, Philomena Cole of Centerville, OH, ten grandchildren, Christopher, Joshua, Angelica, Emilio, David, Vincent, Daniel, Miranda, Elizabeth, and Victoria, two great grandchildren, Malachi and McKinley, and by numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers; John, Emil, Anthony, and Carmen Santoro, and by a sister Mary Felicca.Fran enjoyed summer days on his porch, playing poker in his kitchen and watching (or napping during) the Steelers game. When asked how he was doing the response was the same: "No sense kicking!" He was fiercely loyal to his family and was generous with kind words. And most important to him, Francis S. Santoro lived and died believing in Christ.Friends will be received on Thursday Dec. 23rd from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue Monessen, (724-684-8750). Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 24, 2010, beginning with a 9:30 am Blessing in the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 am Funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord R. C. Church. Interment will follow in Mon. Valley Memorial Park, Donora. The Knights of Columbus Council 954 will conduct a prayer service on Thursday at 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
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