He is survived by his wife Carole, his children, Frederick (Thelma) & Laura Devine (Mike), Granddaughter, Katelyn Devine & sister, Rosemarie Kosanke. He is preceded in death by his wife,Frederica(Jaeger), Parents, Joseph & Elvira(LaTorre) & 6 siblings,Anthony, Michael,Joseph,Lucille, Ralph & Raymond.
Leonard had a beautiful long life.
He was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on March 16, 1931.
He attended PS121, Montauk Jr HS &
New Utrecht HS., where he was in the band & orchestra.
For his 16th birthday, he received a flute and lessons from his parents, which began his real love for music. On Mr. Santarsiere’s 20th birthday, he began his career with the USPS. He was drafted 9 months later into the Army due to the start of the Korean War. At the time of his deployment, he was a Sgt. in the 23rd infantry Regiment,2nd infantry division, A company.
Upon his return in 1953, he moved to Oakwood, Staten Island & continued working for the USPS for a total of 37 years. After retiring, he became the custodian at Eltingville Lutheran School where he was fondly referred to as “Mr. Len”. He also taught the children music.
In 1963 Leonard met his 1st wife,Frederica, who live on the same street. They married in January 1964, and resided in Great Kills., until her death in 1993. They had 2 children, Frederick & Laura.
Mr. Santarsiere married Carole in 1995. They were married for 27 years, until his death.
Mr.Santarsiere was an accomplished musician who played over 20 woodwind, string & brass instruments. Since the 1960’s, he had been a member of the South Shore Community Band, where he met his wife Carole who was also a member. They enjoyed playing flute duets. Together, they belonged to the Woodrow Woodwinds Quintet where he enjoyed playing duets, trios & quartets.
Leonard had such a brilliant mind, such a kind soul & a nice word to say about everyone. He enjoyed a good joke, playing suduku, master mind chess & yard sailing. He loved YouTube. He was amazed that you could find information about everything just with a click of a button.
expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harmonfuneralhome.net for the Santarsiere family.
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