Arthur “Art” Albert Santella, 75, of Norwalk, CT passed away on February 9, 2017 with his loving family by his side.
A lifelong resident of Norwalk, Art was born on April 24, 1941. He was the son of Albert and Elizabeth “Betty” (Torre) Santella. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Norwalk, CT. He graduated from St. Basil’s Preparatory School and Norwalk High School. On April 8, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy C. Morton.Art’s artistic talent led him to work with his father at Al Santella & Son’s Signs on First Street. He went on to become a proud Norwalk Firefighter. Upon retirement, Art studied to become a computer aided design (CAD) draftsman at Porter and Chester Institute. He went on to work for Sturm Ruger and Co. in Southport, CT.
Art is survived by his wife of 55 years Nancy C. Santella; daughter Caressa and husband Sean Neary of Norwalk; daughter Nancy and husband Peter Scimeca of Norwalk; his grandchildren Robert Santella, and Albert and James Scimeca of Norwalk. He is also survived by many cousins and friends who filled his life with joy. Art also loved his pets.
Art had a boundless sense of humor, loved to tell stories, and most of all loved to make others laugh. Anyone who had the good fortune to know Art was blessed with his larger than life personality and will undoubtedly recall many, many fun times. Art had many talents, passions, and hobbies. He loved to travel with his wife and spend time with his family; he was an avid history buff; enjoyed riding his Harley with friends from the Norwalk Eagles Club, Norwalk Firefighters and Police Officers; and many other dear friends. Art took part in many charity rides and was passionate about showing support for the men and women of the military who defend our freedoms. He loved to go freshwater fishing in upstate New York with dear friends. Art was a celebrated amateur radio operator, an AAA-Class skeet shooter, held a black belt in karate, played several musical instruments, enjoyed poker, taught blackjack, and imparted his wisdom through various industry publications.
Our family would like to thank the Norwalk Hospital EMS, the Norwalk Fire and Police Department, and the staff of the Norwalk Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion for Art and his family.
As a man who loved life, his friends, and family and lived life each day to its fullest with a sense of passion and purpose, Art and his family hope that you will share his enthusiasm and appreciation for life with your family, friends, and all who you meet along your journey.
Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 3pm to 8pm, at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk , CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 16, 2017, 10 am, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, on 203 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850. Donations in his honor may be made to Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org.