Caesar Santonastaso Jr., a lifetime resident and dedicated City employee of Rye, N.Y., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 11, 2020. He was 83.
He was the son of Caesar and Philomena (Capozzi) Santonastaso. From an early age he loved woodworking and helping his father in the family construction business.
For 34 years, he was employed by the Rye Department of Public Works, where he built a number of things, including the department’s office building at Disbrow Park.
From 1960-1962, Mr. Santonastraso served in the US Army Military Police and was stationed in Hawaii. He was also a longtime member of the Rye Police Auxiliary.
“The Big C”, as he was affectionately called, loved spending time with his family and friends and taking long walks, especially along the Apawamis Club golf course.
“He was a creative man who enjoyed making birdhouses and donating them, especially to fundraisers for Osborn School, where his granddaughter is a student. And, if someone wanted something made or fixed, they called him,” shared his family.
He and his beloved wife Teresina “Angelina” Santonastaso, met in Italy, and were married for 57 years. She survives him, as do their daughters, Philomena and Anna Santonastaso and Angelina (David) Cyr; and a granddaughter, Celia Cyr. He was predeceased by his five sisters: Marie, Jeanette, Antoinette, Florence, and Cecelia.
A funeral service was held July 16 at Resurrection Church, followed by interment at Greenwood Union Cemetery.
Donations in Caesar Santonastaso’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Westchester, 70 Portman Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801.
