Carol MacHcinski Santora

Carol M. Santora passed away suddenly on August 4, 2025. For those closest to Carol, the world will never be the same. She embodied everything that a wife, mother, grandmother and friend should be. She will be deeply, deeply missed.

Carol was born in Bronxville, NY on September 8, 1949, to Richard and Barbara Machcinski. She graduated from Rye High School in 1967, where she was active in theater and drama, as well as captain of the cheerleading team. After graduating from Skidmore College in 1971 as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree, Carol attended New York University, from which she graduated in 1973 with a Masters in Social Work. Thereafter she worked as both a nurse and a psychiatric social worker in Philadelphia. Carol first met her husband Robert as a teenager, but they reunited after college and were married on December 30, 1972 at Christ Church in Rye, NY. After spending time in Philadelphia and Westchester County, Carol and Bob settled in Greenwich, CT where they raised their three daughters.

While her daughters were young, Carol immersed herself in the Greenwich community through tireless volunteer work. She dedicated her time to her daughters' schools, most notably Greenwich Academy where she filled diverse roles from acting as substitute school nurse to chairing fundraising benefits. She was also active with the Greenwich Red Cross, volunteered in various roles at Greenwich Hospital, and was a Sunday School teacher and vestry member at St. Barnabas Church. Once her children were grown her charitable endeavors expanded, and she served on the Board of the Red Cross as well as serving as President of the Breast Cancer Alliance.

After Bob’s retirement, Carol delighted in their extensive travels, both as a couple and with their friends and family. Carol’s love of travel inspired her creativity as both a photographer and a writer. Carol and Bob traveled to over 75 countries, which she documented with her beautiful photographs.

In 2014, Carol and Bob relocated to North Palm Beach, FL where she relished in redirecting her charitable efforts in a new community. She volunteered with the Lost Tree Foundation and was a dedicated supporter of the Lost Tree Arts Committee. Carol’s photography was enthusiastically received each year at the Lost Tree Arts Show, which brought her great joy. Her other favorite past times were playing bridge, cooking, golfing, and spending time with her treasured children and grandchildren.

Carol is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert; her sister Donna Petersen; her three daughters Kimberly Scott (Peter), Kristin Lamendola (John), and Karyn O’Brien (John); and her 5 grandchildren Kyle, Nello, Clara, Tripp, and Carolina.

A memorial service will be held for Carol on Friday, August 15, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church 954 Lake Avenue Greenwich, CT 06831.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Alliance of Greenwich or the Lost Tree

Foundation.