Anita DeSantis' Obituary
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 pleasure of being in her radiant presence. Even as dementia slowly compromised her mind and body over the past 12 years, her special warmth and smile continued to touch the hearts of family, friends, caregivers, and even strangers. She was a constant source of joy and comfort to everyone around her. Anita’s courageous spirit and love never wavered throughout her rich life.
Born in Syracuse to the late Joseph and Lena (Senise) Moretti, Anita was predeceased by her adoring husband, Mario DeSantis of 67 years, her beloved son Thomas DeSantis, and her brother, Alfred Moretti. She is survived by her children, Maria DeSantis of Syracuse, Andrea DeSantis of Yonkers, Mario (Debbie) DeSantis Jr. of Camillus and Joanna DeSantis (Fred) of Manahawkin, NJ; her sister Paula Petosa; nieces and nephews John Petosa (Jennifer), Tom Petosa, Mary Anne Blaney; Don Moretti (Anne) and Nick Blaney.
Anita graduated from North High School and received a Biology Bachelor's of Science in LeMoyne’s second graduating class of 1952. While raising her family of five children, Anita was an avid tennis player and enjoyed being part of leagues like TACNY and the Pine Grove Country Club. She was part of the St. Cecilia's Women's Parish Council Auxiliary, Piercefield Women's Club, and was a board member of the Solvay-Geddes Youth Center. In her early 60’s, Anita’s natural talents led her to a 17-year career as a Bridal Registry Consultant at Macy’s in the Destiny Mall. She enthusiastically assisted couples in creating their registry choices with a caring “mother’s touch.”
Anita’s exceptional cooking abilities tempted everyone as she eagerly invited you into her home for comfort foods, desserts, and conversation. Being a night owl, she faithfully cooked and read while awaiting her husband’s late night arrival home after his band and orchestra completed an event. She always found time to support school events, (i.e., taxi driver for all of us) along with the challenge of raising a developmentally disabled child (Thomas) during the 60s and 70s when few services were available. Anita’s special ability to listen to anyone who needed a sympathetic space was exemplary. She listened intently with sincere concern and empathy. She truly sought to understand the story of anyone who needed support and then offered words of wisdom. Family and friends knew they could always find patience, warmth, and acceptance in Anita’s presence.
The family of Anita DeSantis would like to thank all of her incredible caregivers who dedicated their care, love, and kindness to sustain her health for over 10 years. Our caregivers became part of our family and allowed Anita the great privilege of remaining in the comfort of her home for the final years of her life. Additionally, we want to personally thank Christine Trimboli from iCircle Managed Care and the relationship managing staff of BURD Home Health; Mason Judd, Stacy DeNardo, and Sean Costello. These professionals were the foundation of the home care program (CDPAP) that allowed our caregivers to provide exemplary care at home for Anita.
We also want to express our deep gratitude, for the kind and caring staff at SUNY Upstate 9G Neuroscience floor. They not only provided exceptional care and guidance, but even more touching was that they treated us like family in Anita’s final weeks.
Anita leaves behind family and friends who adored her sweet demeanor and loving-kindness. Though her words and memory faded, her eternal sweetness brightly shined through the veil of dementia and will forever be embedded in our minds and hearts.
A public visitation in celebration of Anita’s life will take place at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Our Lady of Pompei Church, 301 Ash Street on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10:00 am. Anita will be laid to rest next to her husband Mario and son Thomas in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum, Syracuse.
Anita was blessed to receive full time care at home through a Consumer Director Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) now PPL. This Medicaid funded service was a gift that allowed her the dignity she deserved to sustain the quality of her life during her aging years. An agency called the Caring Majority Rising dedicates countless hours to ensure that CDPAP/PPL provide fair pay, quality care, and training to over 300,000 New York care recipients. Therefore, donations to the Caring Majority Rising would perpetuate Anita’s legacy and pay it forward to other families.
Donations can be made online to Caring Majority Rising in Anita's name here: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/donatecmr/
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