Michael D. Santillo, Sr.

Michael D. Santillo, Sr., of King of Prussia, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2015, following a difficult struggle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was born in Norristown on March 29, 1943, the son of the late Michael and Madeline (Kowleke) Santillo. He was the husband of Jean (Garnett) Santillo and the father of Michael Jr. and Christopher Santillo. He was predeceased by two daughters, Michele and Melissa. Michael was a member of Port Kennedy Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and former Trustee. He was a member and past master of Thomson Lodge No. 340, F&AM, Paoli, PA, Charity Lodge No. 190, F&AM, Norristown, PA, and the Keystone Consistory of Scranton, PA. Mike had a thirst for knowledge and was always eager to learn new things. He had endless energy, loved talking to people, and never ran out of interesting stories. He was multi-talented and could repair almost anything. Mike’s career was cut short when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999. He retired from Reliance Insurance Company but continued studying and, in 2007, earned a Doctorate (Summa Cum Laude) in Transportation Science. Michael was a charter member of the Upper Merion Transportation Authority and was elected chairman when it was formed in the 1980‘s, and remained in that capacity until his death. A former member of the Upper Merion Police Department, he was an active member of Montgomery County Lodge No. 14, Fraternal Order of Police, where he once served as secretary. He also was owner and CEO of a successful contracting business, Santillo Enterprises. Michael loved his family, his country, and his community. He was formerly a firefighter with Goodwill Fire Company of Bridgeport and King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company as well as a volunteer EMT with Lafayette Ambulance and Rescue Squad of King of Prussia. A lifelong Republican, he has been a committeeman of Upper Merion Belmont 4 District for over 30 years, once serving as municipal chairman. Michael was a Vietnam veteran and a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25, American Legion Post 901, and VFW Post 7878. In addition to his wife, Jean, and sons, Michael and Christopher, he is survived by two sisters: Joanne (Gus) Diana and Kathleen (Joseph) Billetta, as well as several nephews and nieces. Michael’s Funeral Service will be held at The Bacchi Funeral Home and Crematory, Ltd., 805 DeKalb Street (Rt. 202), Bridgeport, PA 19405 on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 11:00 am. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 9 to 10:45 am, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the First Presbyterian Church of Port Kennedy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of Port Kennedy, 1084 Old Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406; the Vietnam Veterans of America, 740 N. Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA 18902; or the American Cancer Society, 480 Norristown Rd., Suite 150, Blue Bell, PA 19422.