Claude Santarosa, 85, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully at his home, on Monday, February 10, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Sulmona, Abruzzi, Italy, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Lucia (Celeste) Santarosa. Claude's father and older brother Julio came to the United States prior to World War II and made their home in Niagara Falls, NY. Following the war, Claude immigrated to the United States along with his mother, sister Liana and his older brother Chester. They arrived in New York City Harbor, Labor Day weekend of 1946, and were reunited with their family the following day.

Claude attended local schools and was a sheet-metal worker by trade. Over his life time he could be labeled as a business owner, tradesman, coach, teacher, union delegate and eventually retiring from Tam Ceramics. He took great pride in building the homes where he raised his family. He was a member of several local clubs including St. Peters Holy Name Society and Cristoforo Columbo Society, and also had a reputation for helping wherever he could. Claude was considered an excellent cook and enjoyed having his grandchildren help him make gnocchi's and Italian sausages. He loved to travel with his wife and visited a number of destinations within the United States and internationally. Some of his fondest memories were spending time in Florida with his family and hosting a tour through Italy on his 50 ^th wedding anniversary, including a stop in his home town of Sulmona. He also enjoyed playing golf, as well as downhill skiing with his family and sometimes just with his sons. He and his wife enjoyed a long happy retirement. Throughout his life he instilled family first and lead by example.

Claude was the husband of 59 years to his sweetheart Eleanor (Dalla Torre) Santarosa where together they raised their three children. Survivors also include his children, Claudia (Gary) Casamento of Wheatfield, NY, Dr. Richard (Dr. Donna) Santarosa of Greenwich, CT and David Santarosa of Youngstown, NY; seven grandchildren, Sean, Alicia, Amanda, Samantha, Alayna, Julia and Richard. He was predeceased by his sister Liana and brothers Julio (late Mary) and Chester (late Rose).

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 15 ^th from 9 – 11:30 A.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin at 11:30 A.M., followed by Mr. Santarosa's Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 P.M. at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 620 Center Street Lewiston, NY. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.