Obituary of Viola T. Santore

 Viola T. Santore, 99, passed away on December 20, 2022.  Viola was the daughter of the late Lucille and Gaetano DeValentino, sister of the late Jean Barnard, and Nacey DeValentino. She was also predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Selvo Santore. 

Viola was the loving mother of Michael (Barbara) Santore, and Sylvia (Frank) Bruno; grandmother of Tracy (Brian) Goodman, Jeff Santore, Tara (Michael) Friello, Nicole (Steve) Bruno, and Steven (Kristina) Bruno. Great-grandmother of Jake Goodman, Madeline and Michael Santore, Vincent Friello and Parker Buchholz. Viola is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A lifelong resident of Rensselaer and a 1941 graduate of St John’s Academy, Viola worked as a teller at KeyBank and Citibank for many years, retiring in 1979. 

Viola loved her family and proudly celebrated her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren‘s achievements. She loved spending time together and had a laugh that was contagious. Viola was also an amazing cook and hosted Sunday Italian dinners for decades. There was always room for one more around her table! 

Viola was kind and generous to others. She volunteered at the Rensselaer senior center where she was the Treasurer. She loved meeting new people, taking bus trips, line dancing and was a member of the Yankee Doodle Entertainers as well. 

Viola was young at heart, always enjoying playing games, singing, and even connecting with friends on social media.  Viola had a smile for everyone she met, and was beloved by all who were lucky enough to have known her. 

Family and friends are welcome to attend calling hours at the W. J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer on Tuesday, December 27th from 10:00-11:30 a.m. followed by a short service and interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.