Antonio “Tony” Santini

Antonio “Tony” Santini Obituary
Antonio “Tony” Santini passed away Saturday, February 15th, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness at the age of 88.

In typical Tony fashion, he had 2 birthdays. He was born on September 18th, 1936, in Siderno Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy, but his mother couldn’t get into town to register his birth until September 19th. Therefore, his birthday was always celebrated on the 19th. He grew up in Siderno playing soccer and fishing in the Ionian Sea before joining the Italian Merchant Marines. During his time with the Merchant Marines, he immigrated to the United States. He eventually settled in Massachusetts where he met the woman who would become his wife of 61 years working in a textile factory. They moved down south in 1964 when he got a promotion to manage factories in middle Tennessee. Soon after moving to Tennessee, they started a family. In his later years, he got into cattle farming and became an entrepreneur with multiple successful businesses. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family and friends, good Italian wine and food, and traveling to Italy to visit his hometown. He loved music and frequently gave impromptu concertos to his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Pellegrino Santini; his father, Ugo Santini; sisters, Giuseppina Sgambelluri and Angelina Barila; and brother, Francesco “Frank” Santini.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lucille Medeiros Santini of Lawrenceburg, TN; daughters, Maria L. Santini and Annamaria Santini Lay (Blake) of Lawrenceburg,TN; his sons, Frank Santini of Lawrenceburg,TN and Vince Santini (Amy) of Loretto,TN; eight grandchildren, Alex Bolin, Britt Bolin, Francesca Lay, Aidan Lay, Sophia Santini, Kade Lay, Nate Santini, and Crews Kroeger; as well as many nieces and nephews who cared deeply for him.

Pallbearers for the service are Ben Boston, Amit Choksi, Ronnie McDonald, Russ Parkes, Robert Pulley, Mark Short, and honorary pallbearer, Roy Story.

The family would like to mention their appreciation to the staff at Maury Regional, Compassus Hospice nurses, Sonya and Sheila, as well as caregivers: Tina, Haley, Paula, Judy, Tommy, and Alena. Thank you all for the compassionate care and help you provided over the last couple of weeks.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Lawrenceburg with a rosary to follow. Funeral Mass will be conducted at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Lawrenceburg at 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 19, 2025, with Father Andrew Forsythe officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to Sacred Heart Catholic School of Lawrenceburg, TN – 221 Berger Street Lawrenceburg, TN 38464, Alzheimer’s Association – Tennessee Chapter 225 North Michigan Avenue 17th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633, or Make Today Count Cancer Support Group P.O. Box 357 Lawrenceburg, TN 38464.

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