Obituary of Raymond Santomenna

Raymond Santomenna, of Goldens Bridge, New York, left this life on November 21, 2016. Born on January 28, 1925, he was a lifetime resident of New York State, first in Brooklyn, then on Long Island, and in Westchester County for the past 48 years. He is survived by Helga Ketzel Santomenna, his wife of 65 years; a daughter, Linda Santomenna, married to Bob Alphin, of Chesapeake City, Maryland; a daughter-in-law, Beth Santomenna, of Sudbury, Massachusetts; and three grandchildren: James and Erin Santomenna and David Santomenna Alphin. He was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas and Stephen, and a sister Marion. Raymond's family will always remember him as a devoted father, husband, brother, son and neighbor who put the needs of others before his own and was always ready to help anyone who asked. Raymond was first employed by as a Display Manager and later Sears, Roebuck & Company as an Operations Manager who was often deployed to open new stores in the Tri-State area. Raymond's talents ranged beyond the artistic to the technical and crafting arenas as well. He was a consummate handyman, proficient in plumbing, carpentry, stone masonry, electrical work, and auto mechanics. He was known as an expert ballroom dancer, expert marksman, skilled navigator with the Peekskill Power Squadron, and a motorcycle enthusiast. During World War II, Raymond did not wait to be drafted but enlisted in the U. S. Navy before his 18th birthday. As a Radioman Second Class on the USS Albemarle, he saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific during his four years of service. He met and married Helga Ketzel in 1951, and his family became the beneficiary of his many building projects as well as his kindness and devotion. Raymond's wife and family will dearly miss his commitment, support, courage, and selflessness until they see him again in heaven. A viewing will be held on Monday, November 28, from 9-10:30 at the Oelker-Cox & Sinatra Funeral Home at 262 East Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY, with funeral services immediately following. Burial with military honors will take place at 1 p.m. the same day, in the Long Island National Cemetery at 2040 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, New York