Obituary of John DeSantis

Mr. John DeSantis, age 89 of Gloversville, died Friday afternoon, December 23, 2005 at Nathan Littauer Hospital, Gloversville, following a long illness. He was born December 18, 1916 in Gloversville, the son of the late John and Theresa Iannone DeSantis. He attended Gloversville schools, and served in the US Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945 where he also gave Judo instruction. He worked for his father in the family business, DeSantis Shoe Repair, and then worked as a bartender and later owned Berger?s Grill on S. Main St. in Gloversville. John then worked at Pearle Leather in Johnstown, and at Kingsboro Golf Club. He retired in 1983 after 14 years as a sales representative for Mohawk Valley Liquor Distributors. Mr. DeSantis was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, the Knights of Columbus, Ameican Legion, VFW, CWV, DAV, and also the former Elks Lodge. He was a general sports enthusiast, an avid story teller, and loved horse racing at Saratoga. John was married to Margaret DeSantis on July 20, 1947, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Charlene Anteman Paul of Culloden, West Virginia and Pamela Lunman Jack of Gloversville; three grandchildren, Tina Anteman, John Anteman and Michael Lomanto; niece, Theresa Carpenter Craig; nephew, John DeSantis, step grandchildren, Jamie Lunman Jennifer and Stacey Lunman; step great-grandchildren, Katelyn Lunman and Alyssa Lunman, and several other extended family members. His brother, Nunzio ?Phil? DeSantis, and his sister, Addie DiMezza, both preceded him in death. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 pm Tuesday at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St.; Gloversville, where a prayer service will be conducted 9:15 am Wednesday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Gloversville. Interment will take place in the spring at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 3 Winners Circle, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12205, or to the American Heart Assoc; 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.