Clement J (Clem Santy) Santonastaso
April 2, 1927 ~ July 28, 2017 (age 90) 90 Years OldShare using:
Clement Joseph Santonastaso
Our father, grandfather, uncle, and friend died Friday July 28, 2017. At 90, he was still very much himself; a unique blend of wit, simple sagacity and charm. He left this world as he had lived-full of limitless love, forgiveness and peace. His favorite Yankee, Joe DiMaggio, once said, “A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example”. Clem worked all his life to be a role model to those around him, always giving his utmost to his family and community.
Born on April 2, 1927, Clem would leave high school at 17 to serve in the Navy during World War II. He would return home to earn his diploma, marry, and raise 2 children. For years, he worked 2 jobs- one in a factory, as his father had done before him and the other as a part time recreation director for Dunellen, New Jersey. One of the proudest days of his life was being hired fulltime to serve the town he loved so well. He would go on to coach generations of Dunellen kids, and oversee the events that formed the glue and heartbeat of his community.
At difficult times, such as this one, his advice was always to, “Do your best and let God take care of the rest.” Those words were more than a moto for Clem, as he exemplified them daily as a man of faith, hope diligence and humor. Preceded in death by his wife Louise and daughter Kathy Tracy, Clem is survived by his son Clem “Butch” Santy, son in law Jay Tracy, grandchildren Joey and Stephanie Santonastaso, Ashley Santy and James and Yanick Tracy, as well as countless extended family members, friends and neighbors. Right until the end, he did his absolute best, and now we trust God to care for the father and grandfather we love so much.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 2 from 5:00-9:00pm at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Ave in Dunellen. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday August 3 at 10:00am at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Dunellen. Burial will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield.