Michael Louis Santella, 54, of Ridgefield, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 16th, 2017, at Danbury Hospital. He is survived by his wife Emily, his son Will, his daughter Alyse, his mother Marjorie of Sarasota, FL, his two brothers Mark and Lou, and 4 nieces and nephews.
Mike’s life was not defined by the schools he attended or the career he led, but by his devotion to family and friends. He continually cared far more about others than he ever did about himself, never passing up an opportunity to make people smile. Mike could be counted on to voluntarily embarrass himself in order to make others laugh, not to appear funny, but to brighten and enliven the days of everyone around. Every Christmas, without fail, he would dress up as Santa for the delight of his nieces and nephews, even though the polyester suit caused him to lose 3 pounds every year through sweat loss. Halloween brought on another chance to embarrass himself to everyone’s delight, as he routinely dressed in a hysterical, self-deprecating manner. Mike would go to great lengths to make his family happy, once booking a last minute trip to surprise his wife in London, only to discover that his passport had expired, requiring him to spend two days at the passport office to pull off the feat.
The family will be receiving visitors on Sunday, January 7th, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at South Hall, St Stephen’s Church: 351 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santella Children’s Education Fund (checks may be made payable to SSGA Upromise 529 and can be sent to St Stephen’s Church). Kane Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.