Obituary of Vincent Santamaria

Vincent "Jim" Santamaria, 88, of the Heritage Park Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility, formerly of 69 Hazzard St. died at 7:10 a.m. Tuesday (April 27, 2010) in W.C.A. Hospital. An area resident for most of his life he was born February 28, 1922 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Frank and Jennie Vento Santamaria. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from September 18, 1942 to February 8, 1946 during World War II. At the time of his discharge he was a Sergeant with the 51st Fighter Control Squadron. During his tour of duty he had received the American Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. Before his retirement he was employed as a construction worker for the Barnes Construction Company, as a member of the Laborers Union Local 600 for many years. He was a life member of the John W. Tiffany Post 53 Veterans of Foreign Wars and also a member of the War Vets Recreation Club. Surviving are a son James Santamaria, a daughter Linda Santamaria, a grandson Michael Santamaria all of Jamestown and two sisters Marian Soldano of Ashville, NY, Jean LaPlaca of San Jose, CA. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife the former Betty Santamaria who died November 19, 1982, two brothers Joseph and Nicholas Santamaria and a step-son Jack Sundberg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday in St. James Catholic Church. The Rev. Darrell G. Duffy, pastor of St. James will be celebrant. Burial will be in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home where a Christian Wake Service will be led by Rev. Duffy at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, WNY Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Dr. Suite 6, Williamsville, NY 14221-7380.