Joseph P. Santamaria

Joseph P. Santamaria Jr. at times referred to as Junior 74, of Pembroke Pines, Florida left us on 04/11/2021 to return to our heavenly father. Joseph was born in Red Hook Brooklyn, NY on 05/22/1946 later moving to Rosedale, Queens at age 7. And eventually retiring down in the Ft Lauderdale Florida neighborhood of Pembroke Pines in 1999 to be close to his parents for several years before they passed on. Joseph, was predeceased by parents Joseph Santamaria Sr. and Virginia (Russo) Santamaria. He worked alongside his father as a jewelry maker and designer from the late 60's thru 1980's. He was a man of many talents, family members and anyone that knew him would say he had hands of gold (no pun intended). Joseph was also was a skilled printer having his own printing business at the age of 18. He tackled both those trades and much much more throughout his entire life with pride each and everyday. Joseph is survived by his brother Anthony Santamaria 85, his wife and sister in law Sandra Santamaria 79, his first wife Irene with whom they shared two sons, Joseph S Santamaria lll 54, and John Anthony Santamaria Sr. 52 his wife Rachel. He later married Ana Margarita (Abril) Santamaria. They had a son Salvatore Santamaria 33, who proudly served in the United States Air Force stationed in Aviano AB Italy. Joseph is also survived by his father in law Julio Abril Sr., three brother in laws, Julio Jr. and his son John, brother in law David, brother in law John and (wife) sister in law Vicky along with their two sons. Joseph was also predeceased by sister in law Nancy Abril. As well as Joseph being a proud, loving father to his three sons, he was also proud of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His loving grandchildren include John Anthony Santamaria 31, Alyssa Ann Santamaria 29, Brianna Marie Santamaria 23, Tabitha Santamaria 30, Joseph Santamaria IV 14, Amelia Santamaria 6. Joseph was also predeceased by grandson Michael (Joseph) Santamaria who would've just celebrated his 21st birthday this past February. He also was a proud great grandfather to Diana Rose Santamaria 1, and Valentina Marie Santiago 8 months. Although he's never had the chance to meet his two great granddaughters his heart was full of love for them both. His two nieces Andrea and Virginia (Ginny) and their children. His many cousins from his mother's large Italian family. He was a man that wasn't afraid to show his emotions and say I love you everytime we spoke and at times cry in the presence of his closest family members. That is just one of his qualities that he instilled in me that I'm proud to emulate. Joseph (my dad) enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and camping with his family through most of his life. He was familiar with automotive repairs as if he was a licensed mechanic. As we worked on our own cars throughout the years. Including replacing engines, transmissions etc. He also did a fair amount of travel here in the states and abroad with his wife and children throughout his life. It is with this heavy heart that I have to say to my father, it's not goodbye but it's see ya later. I've learned so many things from my father that he's learned from my grandfather and I taught to my children and I could only hope his legacy continues on through my grandchildren. I love you daddy. Until we meet again love you mwah. John