Obituary of Joseph J. Santilli

Joseph J. Santilli, 79, of Bemus Point, NY, passed on Saturday October 14, 2017, in UPMC Chautauqua WCA, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 22, 1938, in Astoria, Long Island, New York, the son of Benjamin and Valli Sagan Santilli. They moved to Titusville, PA in 1949, graduated from Titusville High School in 1956. In 1960 he graduated from Alliance College, Cambridge Springs, PA with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He was a Class A member of the PGA of America and served as assistant pro at Titusville Country Club and later as head pro at Union City Country Club. He also taught high school Math in Union City. In 1963 he moved to Bemus Point where he, along with Junie Schenck started the Surf Club. Joe played guitar, piano and bass with 5 bands: The Fenders from1955-62, the Surfers from 1963-68, Solid Gold from 1972-79, Dallas from 1982-89 and Happy Days from 1990-2004. He also served as booking agent for several area bands and was a member of the Chautauqua County Music Hall of Fame. Surviving are five children Joe (Wendy) Santilli of Westfield, NY, Bret (Kerry) Santilli of Bemus Point, Pam (Paul) Secky of Bemus Point, Chris (John) Cusimano of Blacksburg, VA and Ted (Kim) Faulkner of Radford, VA; ten grandchildren Jessica and Spencer Santilli, Randall, Tom and Chris Secky, Brooke Secky Robinson, Tara and Tori Faulkner, Lauren Cusimano and Lindsey Cusimano Hamden and two great grandchildren Drew and Lily Robinson. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, April 30, 2007. Friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Alburtus Avenue Bemus Point, NY 14712. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.