John Santo a"h

John Cormack Santo was born on September 7, 1949 in Budapest, Hungary to John Santo and Lucy Cormack. At age 7, he came with his mother and little sister to Southern California via New York City. He went to school at Beverly Vista Elementary and graduated from Beverly Hills High School with a focus on forensic debate. He was a talented basketball player, tennis aficionado, skateboarder, and body and board surfer.

John studied at Beloit College, earning his BA and later receiving two Master’s degrees, one in clinical psychology from Duquesne University, and the second in social work from Yeshiva University.

It was at Beloit where he met his first wife, Lori Levine, with whom he entered Orthodox Judaism in his 20s. The couple had three children, later settling in Kew Gardens, Queens, in New York City.

John was a beloved part of his communities both in Kew Gardens and later in Cedarhurst, NY with his loving wife of 28 years, Judy Varon Santo.

John was always filled with joy and curiosity, and had an enormous interest in lifelong learning, studying Torah and Talmud throughout his adult life.

He loved jokes, corny movies, music, cooking (which was one of his super powers, and in later life, his profession), his family, and his friends. He made a point of maintaining friendships from childhood, and formed close bonds with many in his communities as an adult.

He was a wonderful father, grandfather, devoted husband, and great big brother. He is survived by his wife, Judy Varon, his children (Shuvi Santo, Lani Santo, Rafi Santo), his sister, Vicki Cormack, and his grandchildren (Taniel and Rahm Sheintoch, and Ronen and Ziva Ascher).

John had a heart as big as the sky. He will be greatly missed and we hold him in our hearts always.

A funeral service will be held at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels, located at 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, on December 18, 2025, starting at 11:30 am. The service will be available via live stream at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/118463.

The committal service will take place at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Ave, West Babylon, NY 11704, on December 18, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm.