Joseph Santoro, 104, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 17, 2018 at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility. Born in Pescia, Italy, he was the son of the late Michele and Carmella (Pio) Santoro.

Joseph served in the Italian Army until his honorable discharge and moved to Niagara Falls in the 1930s. He married his loving wife, Marietta (Capicotto) Santoro at St. Joseph's Church on May 27, 1936. Mrs. Santoro passed away on September 28, 1997 after 60 loving years together.

Mr. Santoro co-founded the NY Fish Market on 18 ^th Street in 1945 prior to selling the company in the late 1950s. He then opened LaGondola Restaurant, which later became known as Santoro's. Joseph was also a successful carpenter for many years until his retirement.

Joseph was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Church. He was also a member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society and the Niagara Falls Bocce Club. Joe was a talented musician and enjoyed playing various musical instruments, as well as dancing. He also enjoyed hunting, gardening and was an excellent cook. Above all, Joseph was full of life and will be deeply missed by his loving family.

Mr. Santoro is survived by two daughters, Carmeline (late Attilio) Folino and Nicolette (Robert) Hinderliter, and was predeceased by two children, Elena Lamendola and Michael J. (Sandra) Santoro. He was also survived by thirteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his four brothers, John, Dominic, Matteo and Antonio.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 21 ^st from 4 – 8 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Saturday at 8:45 A.M., followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. in Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial offerings in Joseph's name may be made to a charity of one's choice. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.