Robert George Santoro

Robert G. Santoro, 94, born on January 4, 1932, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on September 20, 2026. "Bob" was born in Somerville, MA, son of John J. Santoro and Catherine Marsicoveteri. He was one of 11 children. He graduated from Somerville High School in 1951. Bob proudly volunteered for duty in the United States Marine Corps in 1951, answering the call to serve during the Korean War. He fulfilled his commitment with honor and resilience until 1954. Bob came home to marry his bride, Sylvia Grady, of Medford, MA on June 19, 1954. He took classes at MIT and Harvard at night, for Plumbing and Electrical, while working during the day.  They started a family of 4 children (Michael, Bobby, Karen & Kathy) in the home he built on Roosevelt Circle, in Medford, MA. Bob loved music and was a member of the Lt. Norman Prince Drum and Bugle Corps in Malden, MA, where he played the trumpet. He also devoted many years as an Instructor for the Rochester, New Hampshire Graniteers Drum and Bugle Corps.

Bob believed deeply in the great outdoors, and he made sure his children grew up surrounded by it. Summers were spent at a cottage on the lake in Maine, where days were filled with fishing, boating, and swimming, and winters of ice skating, and snowmobiling, the kind of memories that stay with you for a lifetime. Each year on the drive north, he passed Lakehurst Resort on a lake in Milton, New Hampshire — a place that captured his imagination. When the resort eventually went on the market, Bob didn’t hesitate. He bought it, turning a dream into reality.

For many years, Lakehurst became a gathering place filled with fun, family, friendship, and community. Guests came from Massachusetts and across New England, many becoming lifelong friends. It was a place built from Bob’s hard work and his belief that life should be lived fully, with room for nature, family, friends and joy. His dedication created a haven where his children, family, and friends could experience the outdoors the way he always hoped they would; boating, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, bocce ball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, basketball, badminton, volleyball, and who could forget the infamous end-of-day family softball games.

Years later, they sold the resort, and moved to Merrimack, NH. Bob went to work for Sanders, A Lockheed Martin Company in Security, and worked part time for the Merrimack Police Dept. He later retired from Sanders in 1992, and he and Sylvia purchased a home in Deerfield, NH. Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman. Bob was a longtime member of the Nashua Fish and Game Club where he competed for many years and was recognized as a Sharpshooter Champion, taking many 1st place awards with skill and steady precision.

Bob (Papa) adored his 3 beautiful granddaughters, teaching them how to fish, and taking them to the Deerfield Fair.

Bob is survived by his spouse of 72 years, Sylvia Grady Santoro of Rochester, NH, brother Ronald Santoro of Germany, Sons Michael Santoro of Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL, Robert Santoro Jr of New Durham, NH, daughters Karen Santoro Nason of Milton, NH, and Kathleen Lavoie and husband Roger, of Chester, NH, and three grandchildren Savannah Thompson, Shania Santoro Nason, and Sigourney Lavoie.

Bob was pre-deceased by his parents; John and Catherine (Marsicoveteri), and 9 siblings; Nick, Helen (McBay), Salvatore Nick I (infant), Steve, Carmela (Maxwell), Salvatore Nick II, John, Evelyn (Purvis), and Edward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to your local Veterans Organization, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

A private funeral service will be held on October 2, 2026, at New Hampshire Veterans State Cemetery, 91 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH.