Pete DeSantis’ humble roots began in Cansano, Italy where he was born. He lived with his paternal grandparents and mother until his father, who had immigrated to the U.S. to work in the coal mines made enough money to send for them. Pete was 12 years old when his roots were replanted in Frederick, Colorado. Unable to speak English, he began school as a first grader but soon caught up with his peers. After graduating as valedictorian from Frederick High School he served in the Army Air Corp until the end of World War II. Through the GI Bill he was able to attend college, graduating from Colorado School of Mines in 1951. He was hired by American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) where he worked until he retired in 1990 after working his way up from Metallurgist to Assistant Smelter Superintendent, then Plant Manager and finally to General Manager of Lead Smelting and Refining for the U.S.
Wherever the company needed him, he and his family moved, with his loving wife Helen supporting him along the way: Leadville, Colorado; East Helena, Montana; Vallejo, California; El Paso, Texas; and ultimately, Corporate Headquarters in New York City were all places he worked and called home.
After retiring he was able to spend 100% of his time devoted to his family. He traveled across Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska to watch baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, swim meets, dance, piano, choral and orchestra recitals, science fairs, and numerous awards ceremonies to support his grandkids. He had a unique talent to encourage his family, friends and co-workers to succeed at anything they undertook, never putting himself above anyone. He also had a special way of making you feel good about yourself and your endeavors no matter how big or small. His grandchildren loved his salami and provolone sandwiches and being bribed to do math problems with the promise of one square of a big Hershey’s chocolate bar. Pete grew up with the tradition of Sunday dinners where stories of family were shared. These special dinners continued in El Paso until his death.
Although proud of his Italian heritage, Pete was equally proud to be an American. In his book, “Our Roots are in Cansano” written as a legacy for his family, he says, “our parents had only a third grade education and we (my brothers and I) all graduated from college”. Just think, this man traveled as a small boy with nothing, traveled to the land of opportunity, and made the best of every situation. He loved his family and ended his career with an office view of the very place he arrived- the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Ci Rivedremo!!!
Pete was preceded in death by his parents Rocco and Maria Giovanna and his loving wife Helen. He is survived by his brothers, Mel of Longmont, CO, and Sam and wife Katherine of Katy, TX, sister and brother in law Jo May and Larry Everett of Santa Teresa, NM, his sons and daughter, Rocco and wife Dimi of Kilgore, TX, Peter and wife Ana of El Paso, TX,and Maria Savera and husband Greg of Keller, TX. He had seven grandchildren, Peter DeSantis, Ryan and wife Renae DeSantis, Aurora and husband Jacopo Ghirardi, Nicole and Iliana DeSantis, Alena and Anthony Savera. Two great grandsons Rocco DeSantis and Paolo Ghirardi. A proud father, grandfather and great grandfather to whom family was everything.
Visitation will be Thursday May 27th at Martin Funeral Home on Resler from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. There will be a Rosary service at 7:00pm during visitation. The funeral mass will be celebrated Friday May 28th at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Sunset Rd. at 10:30am with interment following at Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express sympathy and honor Pete’s legacy make a donation to the “Helen and Pete DeSantis Scholarship Fund” administered by the El Paso Community Foundation PO Box 272 El Paso, TX 79943. Please use this link https://epcf.org/desantis or you can mail a gift to the foundation and include “Helen and Pete DeSantis Scholarship” in the memo so the gift is properly designated.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the DeSantis family.
