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Santora was born June 20, 1922, in Carbondale, West Virginia, to Mary Lodato Santora and Joseph Santora. He and his family moved to Cos Cob where he attended Cos Cob Elementary School. He worked with The Town Of Greenwich Recreation Board as a tennis court manager and Ice Rink Manager at Bruce Park.
On Dec. 15, 1942, he was inducted into the Army in the 100th Infantry division. He became a 100th Infantry Division Ranger; a forerunner to today’s elite special forces. He was awarded two Bronzes Stars, The French Croix de Guerre by Charles DeGualle, and the Silver Star, all for gallantry. He was discharged from service in February of 1946. After completing his carpentry and masonry trade apprenticeship he attended trade school, and went on to start Paul J Santora and Sons Masonry and Building Company in 1947.
Santora served on many local parish committees and was both a founder and trustee of St Agnes Church, and member of St Ann’s Church in Naples, Florida, a trustee the Saint Lawrence Italian American Society, a member of the Greenwich Rotary and the Greenwich Builders Association.
Santora is survived by his sons, Joseph, Paul Jr. and David Santora; daughters, Donna Santora Anderson, and Deborah Pennella; sister, Rose Santora Siclari; several sons and daughters-in-law; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many friends in Connecticut and Florida. He was predeceased by his wife, Ossi.
Calling hours are Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Castiglione Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at St Agnes Church. Entombment will follow at the mausoleum at St Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.
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