Philip A. DeSantis

Mr. Philip A. "Red" DeSantis, 88, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family and caregivers by his side on Friday, November 11, 2016. Red was born in Utica on September 19, 1928, the son of Philip and Mamie (Peters) DeSantis. He was educated in local schools and a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. His work career began with his dad at the DeSantis Service Center on Bleecker and Nichol's Streets. In 1958, he joined his brother Francis and formed the DeSantis Brothers Service Station and later DeSantis Trailer Sales on Genesee St. in South Utica for eleven years. In 1969, the brothers moved to River Road in Marcy and operated a service station and later DeSantis True Value Hardware and DeSantis Auto Body Supply until their retirement in 1987. The DeSantis Brother's stores were the center of many enjoyable activities for kids in the neighborhood. Red and his brother were like father figures to many and they enjoyed every minute of it. Red always loved the Adirondacks and worked during the summer seasons in Old Forge and Inlet and in the late 1940's met the love of his life Ellen Spillane. They were joined in marriage on July 15, 1950 and have shared sixty-six loving years together, raised their nine children and many grandchildren in Utica and Hinckley Lake, where they have many wonderful memories. Red loved being with his family, whether it was a family party, sporting event or building project, he was always hands on. His advice and instructions were always available to his sons, sons-in-law and grandsons, whether they wanted it or not. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen; his children, Maryellen DeSantis, Utica, Billy DeSantis and Lisa Lavallee, NC, Ann Marie DeSantis and David Alberico, Utica, David and Jeanne DeSantis, Sylvan Beach, Patricia Zumbo, Utica, Edward and Valerie DeSantis, Barneveld, Therese and Tom Johnson, Sackets Harbor, NY, and Margaret and John Harmon, Marcy; a daughter-in-law, Diane DeSantis Williams; his adored grandchildren, David, Daniel, Peter and Michael Fix, Matthew and Philip Helmer, Billy DeSantis, David, James, Joey and Christian DeSantis, Anthony and Francesca Zumbo, Eddie and Brianna DeSantis, Kate, Sofia, Sarah, Madeline and Thomas Johnson, Alex Rukavena, and Rachael Scaramuzzino; beloved great grandchildren, David, Johnny, Trenton, Corinne, Haley, Allura, Sean, Kya, Leah, Parker, Mason, Cameron, Olivia, and Claire; sister-in-law, Margie DeSantis; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Philip DeSantis, who was always close to his heart and his brother, Frances "Red" DeSantis. His funeral will be held on Monday 12:30 p.m. from The Matt Funeral Home and at 1 p.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., at Mohawk St., Utica. The loving care that Red received from his beloved daughters enabled him to stay at his home and he was always grateful to them for that. His family is appreciative of his caregivers from Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Irene and Maryellen, as well as his personal caregivers Kia, Tiffany, Tammy, Maribelle and Geli. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.

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