Obituary of Daniel John Santagata

Daniel Santagata, 87, of Millville, New Jersey passed away early in the morning on June 21, 2022, with his son, Justin, at his side, and his daughter, Marlo, close by. He spent his final days surrounded by his children, to whom he devoted the last 40 years of his life. He is survived by Justin and Marlo and Linda Santagata, the mother and equally devoted parent of his children. Together, Dan and Linda taught their children that love and family have many forms. Dan was born February 7, 1935. He grew up in a small 3-room house in Landisville, across from the street from a market adorned with the "Santagata" name where he worked as a young man and where his family and relatives would frequently eat holiday meals. Dan was extremely proud of his family name and his family's place in America after his grandparents immigrated from Italy. His life would follow the proud path of many Italian-Americans. Dan graduated from Vineland High School, enlisted in the Army, and became a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division, Company K, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He trained in Fort Dietrick in Kentucky and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany in the 1950s. He recorded over 20 jumps, jumping once with a broken arm to earn his pay. Dan loved the Army, his fellow soldiers, and the honor of representing his country. He carried it with him through the rest of his life. When Dan returned to civilian life, he attended Rider University on the GI Bill. He studied business education and became a beloved and respected business teacher at Millville Senior High School. He later obtained his master's degree in business administration. On the side, he proofread and edited articles for the Daily Journal and taught business law to prisoners. Dan believed in the dignity of all human beings and enjoyed discussing news with the prisoners he befriended. In 1981, Dan became a father to Justin and, three years later, to Marlo. Dan never thought he wanted children, but his children became the center of his life. Dan and Linda together dedicated their lives to their children and gave up some of their own plans and dreams to ensure their daughter's health and so their children could have bigger chances and dreams than they did. Dan eventually became the Athletic Director at Millville Senior High School and often brought his young son up to the press box at football games. Dan retired in 1998, with him and Linda having provided his children with the opportunity to attend college, graduate school, and law school. Dan's children only saw him cry once in his adult life- from shock, pride, or both- when his son graduated from law school. In retirement, Dan enjoyed a steady of routine of trips to Starbucks for decaffeinated coffee (for some reason), reading the newspaper, discussing politics with his son, and endlessly doting on his daughter no matter how old she became. Despite being a very private and quiet man, Dan maintained lifelong friendships with his colleagues from Millville Senior High School. When Dan developed Alzheimer's two years ago, the stubborn, proud man allowed his son to become his caretaker. This was only possible because Dan spent his son's 40 years trying to teach him responsibility and accountability, not always or often successfully. Dan spent the last year and a half at The Landing assisted living facility in Sewell, New Jersey. The Santagata family extends their deepest appreciation to The Landing, its staff, and Bayada Hospice for providing the family with many happy memories and smiles with Dan as he neared the end of his life. This was a blessing especially for his daughter, who was able to endlessly dote on her father as he once doted on her. In his final days, Dan was able to call his son "boy" and his daughter "my dear" one last time, as he had done all his life. "If I want a crown, I must go and hunt it for myself." Rest in peace, Dad. A funeral home visitation will be held on Monday, June 27, 2022 from 9am to 10:45am at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ. A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 am from Our Lady Of The Blessed Sacrament - Church Of Our Lady Of Victories, 202 Northwest Boulevard, Landisville. (Which is across the street from the "Santagata" market where Dan grew up.) Interment will follow in Our Lady Of Victories Cemetery, Landisville. Dan will be buried next to his dear sister, Carmela. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 Donations in memory of Dan may be made to: Gary Sinise Foundation for veterans and first responders: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate. To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com