Thomas Charles Santella

Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 2, 1919 Departed on January 29, 2021 and resided in Elmsford, NYViaitation: Ballard Durand - McElroy ChapelWednesday February 3, 2021 4:00pm to 8:00pmMass of Christian Burial: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church ElmsfordThursday February 4, 2021 10:00am to 11:00amBurial: Gate of Heaven CemeteryThursday February 4, 2021

Thomas was born in Brooklyn, New York, July 2, 1919. He was the son of Biagio and Carmela Santella. He began working as a toll collector in 1947 and worked for the East Hudson Parkway Authority until he retired in 1978. Upon his retirement he worked for many years at Mortelliti Roofing Company in Elmsford, New York.

In World War II, he served as a Sergeant stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. Thomas was the oldest World War II Veteran residing in Elmsford, who celebrated his 101st birthday this past July, with a ceremonial village parade.

On November 6, 1949, he married Carmella (Cherubino) at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, White Plains, New York. They had one daughter Deborah Marie born to them in 1954. Tom was preceded in death by his daughter Deborah Marie Graham in 2005 and his wife Carmella in 2016, along with his brothers Frank, James, Biagio and sisters, Anna and Antonette. He is survived by his son-in-law, Douglas Graham, his wife Marie and his two cherished granddaughters Faith and Hope DelGrosso Graham, along with one brother, Neil (Sonny). He was a great uncle to his many loving nieces and nephews, often saying "I'm the richest man in the world because I have the greatest nieces and nephews." To Tom, "Family is everything."

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to "Tom's Honeys", the aides who cared for him for the past three years. Thank you Annette, Rita, Nuala, Eileen, and Berry.

Tom was longtime parishioner and former Head Usher and Treasurer of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Holy Name Society. He was active in many church fundraising events throughout the years. The family will receive friends and family from 4 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday February 3rd at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, Elmsford, New York and a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am February 4th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Elmsford, New York. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven cemetery, Hawthorne, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's or the Military Order of the Purple Heart.