Nicholas James Santore

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Nicholas J. Santore, age 96, of Manchester Township, NJ on May 03, 2021. He was born in Avellino, Italy to Francesco and Pasqualina, immigrating to Valley Stream, NY at the age of 6 months.

After graduating from high school, Nick served in the Navy Medical Corps during WWII. He originally planned a career in medicine, but found his passion in education which changed his life and lives of many others. He attended Ottawa University in Kansas where he met the love of his life, Margaret.

Nick’s career in education progressed from teaching, to school administration as Principal in Penns Grove, NJ, and culminating in Superintendent of Schools in Lakewood, NJ and Valley Stream, NY. He considered his students his “kids” and kept in touch with many over the years. He was our family’s rock, but his compassion and influence was more like a rock skipping across a pond: the ripple effect touching everyone around him.

His extensive community service included spearheading the Head Start program in Lakewood, and being on the Boards of the NJ Heart Assoc., the Lakewood Public Library and the Christ United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Phi Delta Kappa, the NY Historical Society and the NY Geological Society. Nick never missed a chance to attend any Piner sporting event, and most of our classmates will remember him in the stands yelling “Go Blue!”

Anyone who knew our dad knew to expect a big hug, and an even bigger heart. He was always there for anyone who needed some wisdom, perspective and advice, or to just have someone to listen. No matter what, he showed up.

Even in death our Dad wanted to help others, and donated his brain for Essential Tremor research so no one else would suffer and have to live with this debilitating condition.

Nick was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Susanne and Rosalind, and his daughter Jennifer. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret, his children, Jody and her husband Dearl, Laura, Katie and Frank, his grandsons, Dearl Gene, Andrew, and Nicholas, and his great-grandson, Eli, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the JPS Scholarship Fund to continue the education of another. Checks may be sent to Christ United Methodist Church (please note in the memo: JPS Scholarship) 678 5th St., Lakewood, NJ 08701. James Hunt Funeral Home, Asbury Park, is in charge of arrangements.

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