Vincenzo 'Vince' DeSantis 88, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Sunday December 20, 2009 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Introdacqua, Abruzzi, Italy, he was the son of the late Filomeno and Maria Concetta (DePietro) DeSantis. Vince was raised and educated in Italy, and served in the Italian Army. He immigrated to Niagara Falls, NY in 1947, and on June 9, 1951 married Rose M. (Fegatilli) DeSantis in St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. DeSantis predeceased him on July 19, 2003.

For thirty seven years, Vince worked at the former Hooker Chemical, now Occidental Chemical Co. in Niagara Falls until his retirement in 1984. He was an accomplished dancer and enjoyed dancing with his wife Rosie at weddings and dinner dances. Vince was an avid gardener, and particularly proud of his Italian heritage, and hometown of Introdacqua, Italy. Vince enjoyed socializing with family and friends, and took great pleasure in nurturing and being an integral part of his grandchildren's lives.

Mr. DeSantis is survived by his two sons, Michael (Fran) DeSantis of Niagara Falls, NY, John (Antoinette) DeSantis of Lewiston, NY, three grandchildren, Dr. Melissa (Alex) DeSantis Uribes, Peter (Dr. Monique Mirshak) DeSantis and Nick DeSantis, four great-grandchildren, Ava DeSantis, Taylor DeSantis, Riley Uribes and Chase Uribes, one sister Lena (Arnel) Rochon of Niagara Falls, NY, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Flora M. (Tony of Lewiston, NY) Mazzarella, and Ernestine (late Ernest) Colasante.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 23rd at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Duane Klizek, officiating. Entombment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the National Parkinson Foundation Inc. 1505 NW 9th Ave. Bob Hope Road Miami, FL 33136.