Birth date: Nov 19, 1930 Death date: Apr 24, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anita DeSantis, age 94 who died peacefully with family holding her through the tender moments of her final breaths. Her genuine kindness and love were a blessing to all who had the ple Read Obituary
My deepest condolences to Maria, Andrea, Mario, and Joanna. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful and vibrant woman. I remember seeing your mom on the second floor at Macy’s at the Bridal Registry. She was always smiling and welcoming. It was so nice to stop and talk with her, if she was free.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. You gave your mom the best life despite her dementia diagnosis. You worked tirelessly to ensure she was well-cared for. She must be looking down on you now and must be so proud and grateful for all that you have for her. May she Rest In Peace. Frances Szczech
My love and prayers go out to you, Maria, Mario and Debbie, Joanna and Andrea, Aunt Paula and family. Anita was such a kind, loving and delightful person. I first knew her through our families, but I also can’t count the times that I would go to Kauffman‘s/Macy’s to the bridal registry department specifically to see Anita. I knew the days she usually worked so if I had a gift to buy or if I was just in the mall, I would go to visit with Anita. We would first chat about family and how each other was doing, then just about things in general. Eventually, she would help me pick out a registry gift if that is what I was there for or say our goodbyes if I had just come to visit. I have such sweet memories of Anita. I know your memories of her are strong and many and I know your grief will run deep, but I also know that you must be very happy that she is in Heaven with Mario and she’s able to be healthy and happy again. Sending my love to all of you,
Chris Petosa
Sending many prayers and lots of love as you grieve the passing of such a great lady. I will always remember Anita with smiles and joy as that is what she generated always. May she rest in peace with our Lord and Mario.
To Anita’s family (especially Maria because we’ve met at a few Concerts over the Summers), my brother Johnny and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all of you. Our Dad, Nick Ruggeri (wife Margie) was a classmate of Anita’s at North High. If I remember correctly, your Dad was in a different graduation class. My Dad looked forward to running into old friends at the Summer Concerts.
And oh, how difficult it was for our parents to have a child born with Disabilities in the 1960s! They were the trailblazers for the Individuals today who are so successful in our society! Johnny was born in 1960, and with all of his Birth Defects, doctors told my parents to put him in an institution! My parents said no and never stopped loving him (and me, as well as countless others) and fighting for services and fairness for Individuals with Special Needs! My Father was still on an evaluation board for Human Rights in Massachusetts when he passed away in 2016. (Our Mom in 2017.) Johnny and I fought for them and cared for them together in their home at the very end! Johnny is an excellent Caregiver, thanks to our parents as well as excellent teacher in Syracuse and Massachusetts!
We hope to see you tomorrow evening at the Wake. And eventually, I’d like to learn more about the programs that assisted your family with compassionate caregivers.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
I have fond memories of Anita, from helping me register for my wedding while she worked at Kaufman's to serving Rob and I Limoncello at her home. We are so very sorry for your loss!
