Obituary of Louis R Santoro Jr.
Louis R. Santoro, Jr., 82 passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Morristown Medical Center with his family at his side. Born on January 28, 1943, in Plainfield, NJ to the late Louis R. Santoro, Sr. and Mildred (Paolicelli) Santoro. Ironically, Lou’s father died on the same date 40 years ago. A resident of Washington Township, Warren County, NJ since 2003, Lou still referred to South Plainfield as his hometown.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Lou proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1963-1967 and was stationed in Labrador, Newfoundland. Thanks to many Novenas said by his mother, he spent the war in the snow!
Lou graduated from South Plainfield High School in 1961. After beginning his higher education at both Middlesex County College and Rutgers University, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from The College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ. Lou retired from AT&T in 1998 after 31 dedicated years of employment in various New Jersey locations as a Manager in Financial Services.
Even though his favorite teams usually disappointed him, he was a loyal fan of the Jets, Rutgers and unbelievably both the Mets and Yankees. His favorite band will always be The Beach Boys.
A devoted husband, his favorite past time was to spend long weekends in June and September at the Ocean Club Hotel in Cape May with Diane. Over many decades he also loved his four furry feline “children” Patches, Missy, Kiki and Chloe.
Lou is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Diane (Dunne) Santoro; together they raised a family that includes his daughter Maureen Kober and husband Mike; his sons Michael Santoro and wife Joyann, Kenneth Santoro and wife Dina and his grandchildren Chase, Cole and Tessa. Also his cherished sister Elaine Santoro Graziano, her husband Anthony and nephews; Patrick and wife Aly and David and wife Colleen.
Lou Santoro, Jr.'s life was a testament to the values of family, service, and loyalty. His memory will be cherished by many.
Family and friends are invited to the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 for visitation from 3-7 PM.
A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in the Funeral Home at 10:30 for family and friends wishing to join.
Entombment will follow in Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/