2021. Henry was born August 11, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of nine children born
to Anna DiGrazia Santoro and Pietro Santoro of Sicily, Italy.
He was drafted into the Army Air Corp. at the age of 21 and served his country as a military
police officer from February 1944 until being honorably discharged due to a medical condition
in May of 1946. Upon his return to Michigan, he went to work for General Motors. Shortly
after, he met Angela Adamo, the love of his life. They were married on May 23rd, 1948 in the
biggest and most beautiful Italian wedding you could ever imagine, with 1,000 guests in
attendance. Exactly one year later on May 23rd, 1949, their first daughter Ann was born. Son
Henry Jr. came along in 1953, followed by son Paul in 1955. In 1957 they picked up the whole
family, loaded them into a Chevy station wagon, and moved across the country to settle in
California. Daughter JoAnn was born in 1961, and their family was complete. He went to work
at La Russa and Sons Plastering Contractors as their mechanic and all-around handyman, and
worked with them for 26 years until his retirement. Anyone who knew Henry, knew how much
he loved to tell stories. If he had a captive audience, they were in for a real treat because he
told a story like no other. Whether he was telling it for the first time or the 100th time, he never
left out a single detail. He also had a passion for automobiles. He was a Chevy man. He
bought and sold more cars than anyone we’ve ever known. He loved driving them, fixing them,
admiring them, and telling stories about them. He could honestly tell you the make, model,
and year of every car he ever owned ... and there were a lot of them! Hank and Angie enjoyed
hosting many family gatherings throughout the years. He loved to cook, so the house was
always filled with the aroma of homemade Italian food including manicotti, chicken soup, and
his famous Italian sausage. They loved going to the casinos to play bingo, where everyone
knew them as the best dressed couple in their matching outfits. They were truly a match made
in heaven. Married for 68 years until Angela’s death in 2016. They are now resting together for
all eternity.
Henry was preceded in death by his wife Angela Sandora; daughter Ann Mae Farr; father Pietro
Santoro and mother Anna Santoro; brother Frank Sandora; brother Rocco (Roy) Sandora;
brother James Santoro; brother Joseph Sandora; brother Anthony Sandora; sister Anna
Santoro Saluto; brother Bart Sandora and brother William Sandora.
Henry is survived by son Henry Sandora Jr (Kathy) of El Cajon, California; son Paul Sandora
(Pam) of El Cajon, California; and daughter JoAnn Cady (Steve) of El Cajon, California.
Henry is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Christina Fleig (Chris), Steve Farr, Nick Farr (Kaitlyn),
Angela Hansen (Justin), Andrew Sandora, Austin Cady, and Chadd Cady. And 5 great
grandchildren; Jacob Fleig, Bailey Fleig, Presley Farr, Maddon Farr, and Grant Hansen.
Due to COVID19 concerns, a graveside service followed by a private burial has been planned
for Henry’s immediate family only.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for
the Sandora family.
