Edward Paul Santarelli's Obituary
Edward Paul Santarelli, age 89 was ushered into the arms of Jesus with loving family at his side. Ed was sure of his future in heaven and looked forward to seeing his Savior face to face and he did so on November 30, 2020, 13 days after a heart attack. Ed was born in Lowell, Massachusetts to Louigi and Franchesca Santarelli on August 6, 1931 and lived there until joining the Coast Guard to serve his country for 20+ years. On June 24, 1972 Ed married his wife Mary and they built a life together with their family which has endured since that day, through good times and hard times. Ed is survived by his faithful wife and their children and grandchildren. Survivors include; Wife, Mary Santarelli; Children, Debbie and Marvin Carlson, Peggy Santarelli, Judy and David Henry, Ed and Toni Santarelli as well as grandchildren, Caroline Santarelli, Michael Carlson, Matthew and Courtney Carlson, Mark and Sydni Carlson, Sarah and David Borgeson, Natalie Henry and Bryan Bailey, Melissa Sparks, Hillary and Zach Saum. Great grandchildren are Trenton, Kinslee, Noelle, Weston, and Amelia. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and siblings (Charlie, Roy, Ida, and Palmina “Pal”). “Papa Eddie” was a humble man who is loved by family and friends alike and loved by every animal he ever met. Ed had a way of making people smile; he loved to meet people and hear about their lives as well as share about his life and family in return. Ed was a hard worker and never passed up a chance to help others. He enjoyed fishing and going for long walks. Ed worked to stay physically strong and fit; he walked 3-4 miles a day for many years; even up until a week or so before his heart attack. Ed was a great cook, a great storyteller (he was known to tell jokes and bologna stories too) and he always had time for others. Ed had a way to make the best of every situation in life- even in the sad and difficult times of life he found ways to be positive and laugh and encourage others. Ed lived life to the full; he retired from his career in the Coast Guard then worked at various jobs until he began what he described as his favorite job…. babysitting for his grandchildren. He made everyday fun with the kids; going on walks and bike rides, swimming in the pool, playing games and doing activities that the kids enjoyed. He taught them valuable lessons about working hard, living within your means, saving money, and passing on to others the blessings they have received. The grandkids have wonderful memories of sleepovers at Grammy and Papa’s house on Friday nights, trips to the dollar store, and too many other fun times to list. Papa Eddie loved his family and demonstrated it every day. He has left us with a wonderful legacy of love, memories, and faith. Ed is missed every day and will be until our family is reunited in heaven. In the last week of his life, he shared that he had no fear of death because Jesus was his Savior. He also spoke of the fear he has for those who have rejected Jesus or don’t yet know Jesus and prayed that those people will do so before it is too late. On Ed’s behalf, and because of his concern for others, here is how everyone who reads this can make heaven your eternal home too.
1- Recognize your need for a Savior
2- Simply pray and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and come
into your heart to live. This simple prayer is all that
is necessary to begin a personal relationship with Jesus
that will assure your eternity in heaven. Jesus will hear
your prayer and live in your hearts and the relationship
with him can grow deeper over time.
A worship and remembrance service was held with family and friends with Pastor Doug Hill officiating. Gifts in honor of Ed can be given to Central Assembly of God, Oak Crest Church of God, or Calvary Christian Schools where his grandchildren attended and now his great- grandchildren attend school.
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Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
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