1940 - 2015
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Charles S. “Chuck” Santagati Jr., AGE 74, of Lowell, MA died Monday February 9, 2015 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He was married to Elizabeth A. “Betty” (Shugrue) Santagati with whom he celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary this past September 21st.
Born in Lawrence, he was the son of the late Charles S. Santagati Sr. and Lydia R. (Zazzo). He was raised in Lawrence, attended St. Patrick Grammar School and graduated from Central Catholic High School with the class of 1957. He received his BA and Master’s in Music Education (MED) from Lowell State Teachers College, known as UMASS Lowell today. Charles was a music teacher for 37 years. He taught general and choral music at the Bartlett, Moody and the Rogers School in Lowell for many years. He also taught music in Billerica and in Vermont at Derby Junior High School for the 8 ½ years that he
lived there.
He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a writer, poet, performer, and composer of music. He loved discussing politics and theology, the theater, jazz and movies. A talented musician, Charles was the leader of a popular “Top 40”s band “The Sandsmen” who performed widely in the Lawrence and Greater Boston area during the 60’s and 70’s. He was a gifted pianist who played with numerous popular area bands and accompanied many performers, including Jerry Vale, since age 14.
He was a past member of the Lawrence Elks Lodge.
Besides his wife he is survived by his siblings, Ronald and his wife Joan Santagati of Salem, NH, Nina MacDonald of North Andover, Richard and his wife Marilyn Santagati of Andover. His children Laura and her husband Peter Garcia-Bengochea of Claremont, CA, Maria Santagati and her fiancé Lee Desjardins of Newburyport, Charles S. III and his wife Christina Santagati of Estes Park, CO, and Steven Santagati of Los Angeles. He leaves four grandchildren, Lauren and Nicolas Garcia and Nathan and Ella Rose Santagati. He is also survived by his mother-in-law D. Claire Shugrue of Lowell, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Janyce Breton, Brenda Lorrey and Fernando Carvalho, Elinor Sadier, James B. and Lynn Shugrue, Timothy and Roberta Woelfel, Dorothy Dillon and William Dodge and William H. Shugrue. He also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Charles S. Santagati Jr. to support Head and Neck cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
His Visiting hours are this Friday February 13, from 4 to 7 P.M. Funeral Saturday at 8:30 AM from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 9:30 AM
at St. John the Evangelist Church, North Chelmsford. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury.
ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at
www.dolanfuneralhome.com
John V. Fazio
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My deepest sympathy to “Chuck’s” loved ones and all of his family.
At a Central Catholic High School full, student-body assemblage in 1956, I still remember Chuck playing an “Awesome” piano solo. Then we knew each other, as well as his brother Richard over the many years. I can now picture Chuck playing piano solos in between accompanying God’s Choir of Angels. God Bless him!
Anthony Santagati Jr
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Rest in peace dear cousin. You will be remembered always by me for your big heart, your love of life and family, and the passion of you commitment to your principles. I will miss our talks and the brotherly love we shared. I know you were loved by many besides me and will be missed by all.
CHARLES & MARY
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It is with great sadness that we read and were notified of Chuck’s passing. Many good times were shared in South Lawrence growing up altogether along with Joe Machera and Frank Comparone. Although life took us all in many directions we all still were always connected by bonds that could never be broken, our roots that we never forgot. You will never be forgotten and always thought of fondly. Our deepest Sympathy to all the Sanagatii Family at this sad and difficult time. Your love of music, fun and friendship will live on in our hearts forever. Until We Meet Again……God bless and safe journey, you were the best.
Nick Zaharias
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Thoughts and prayers to the entire family during this difficult time. Charles lived a full, rewarding and interesting life, which is a great lesson and example for us all. Rest in peace Charles.
Linda Guerrera
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As a little girl,I remember being so happy when I knew that my father’s cousin Chuck was coming to the house for a visit. Chuck was funny. He was a great story teller because he could capture your attention and your imagination. And, he was handsome!–which generally enhanced the whole experience of his presence and performance. I loved my cousin Chuck. We all did. Later in life, he lived his experience with cancer with perfect dignity. Cancer takes pieces of yourself away piece by piece step by step. Chuck didn’t focus on that. Chuck seemed more interested in the enlightenment of his soul. Cousin Chuck was a wonderful man. I know so many are sorry to see him go. God bless is soul and God bless his sweet wife, Betty. With love and condolences, Linda Guerrera
Margy Hymel
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Betty and family, I’m so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Betty I met you when you and Charles came down to visit Peter and Laura and Clermont last year.Charles definitely had a gift for the piano and for music in general. I enjoyed listening to his compositions also. Being a musician myself, I feel like I’ve lost a kindred spirit. My prayers are with you and my dear friend Laura.May God give you comfort and strength at this most difficult time.
Margy and Dave Hymel
Linda Guerrera
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Dear Betty, My husband Nick liked to tell stories about his childhood and his cousin Chuck. My husband liked to reminisce about the wonderful summers they spent when the family rented a cottage at the beach. They were more than cousins. They were good friends throughout their lives. It gives me solace to imagine they could continue their relationship and meet in the afterlife. This is a very sad time for you, Betty. I hope you find solace and peace in due time. With much love and sympathy, Ginger Guerrera
Phil and Kris
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We are very sorry for your loss.
Phil and Kris Arsenault (friends of Laura and Peter Garcia)
Cliff and Diane Adamo
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Betty,
I’m not sure if you’ll remember us but we met on a bus in Italy many years ago. We toured together and had dinner. You were a young, fun, and vibrant couple. While our time together was fleeting, we’ve not forgotten you or Chuck.
It was only by chance that we saw Chuck’s obituary.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Cliff and Diane Adamo