Nino J. Santaniello

Nino (Aniello) J. Santaniello, son of the late Francesco and Maria (DiGrezia). Beloved husband of the late Stephanie (Stefanina Rotondi) passed away on July 17, 2024. He will forever be remembered and admired for the love he had for his wife Stephanie and the great care he took of his family. To our dad that supported, nurtured and helped shape our lives, we thank you. It was the grace of God and the love from his family and grandchildren that extended his life. He was one month shy of his 99th birthday. 

Born in the North End of Boston, in the heart of history across from the Old North Church, Nino grew up with many wonderful friends that he cherished dearly during his lifetime. Today, his grandchildren, fourth generation to his parents live in the same North End building that Nino and his parents lived in for several decades. Nino was also a longtime resident of Waltham for 38 years and had wonderful neighbors that he esteemed. Upon his wife’s passing in 1998, he moved to live with his daughter Maria and her family.

Nino grew up during the Great Depression. At a very young age, 9 years old, he was a child entrepreneur earning money to help his mother during the depression by selling newspapers, shining shoes and as a tour guide in Boston. Jumping on the running boards of passerby cars, reciting history and taking visitors to the sites in his neighborhood: Copp’s Hill, Paul Revere’s home, Bunker Hill Monument, Old Iron Side and as far as Long Fellow’s Wayside Inn, Nino would take the tourists around Boston. 

He was doubled promoted twice in school, a math whiz and a graduate of English High. He served for 3 years in the Marines during World War II, participating in the Okinawa and Kyushu Operations. After the war he attended the Industrial School of Boston for Carpentry. He was a long time employee of 42 years of the Raytheon Corporation where he had many good friends that he cherished and loved. 

In his retirement years, he spent time visiting his son’s Daniel and Neil and grandchildren in Florida where he enjoyed the outdoors and beautiful weather, attending sports games and family get-togethers and on Martha’s Vinyard visiting with his son’s family. 

He is survived by his daughter Maria Santaniello-Donnelly, son Neil Santaniello and wife Tari Carlson, son Daniel Santaniello and wife Michele. He was the grandfather of Joseph and Daniel Donnelly, Zachary and Cassandra Lynn Santaniello, and Julia Rose, Kristin Mary and Elizabeth Grace Santaniello. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Stephanie Santaniello (Rotondi) and siblings Philly Russo, Frank Santaniello, Carmela Poccio and Anthony Santaniello. Also cherished by his many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Nino’s life by gathering for calling hours on Sunday, July 21st, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, (Rte. 20), Waltham and again on Monday at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Covenant House, Wounded Warrior Project, or his favorite Catholic TV Networks Boston Catholic or EWTN that brought him great programming and comfort in his final years.