John Phillip Santoro

John Phillip Santoro, 95, of Lewes, DE, and formerly of Reading, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. He was the loving husband of Ruth L. (Chamberlain) Santoro.

Born in Philadelphia to the late Nicholas and Anna (Gianrico) Santoro, John served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, later joining American Legion Post 17. He retired as a chemical analyst in 1984 after dedicating 38 years to Carpenter Technologies. John also served as a Constable in Reading's 3rd Ward.

John's highest love was for his wife, Ruth, followed closely by horse racing. They met at the Oxford Hotel, where she was working, while he was on his way home from the track. He would visit her every week. They built a beautiful life together and celebrated over 73 years of marriage. They enjoyed dancing, and John could frequently be found singing love songs to his bride. John was a very good husband and a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather.

Before retiring to Lewes, DE, John was a member of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church.

An active man throughout his life, John served as a trustee and boxing trainer for Reading's Police Athletic League. John also served as the Chief Deputy Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission. He enjoyed running and was an original member of the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Association. At 55, John was the first "Pacer" to run in the Boston Marathon, a feat he would achieve twice more at 56 and 57. While training at the YMCA, John ran 660 laps around the track in three hours, three minutes.

John loved everybody, and he really loved sharing his life with his friends and family. His memory will be treasured by his wife, Ruth; their children: Marie Schubel, wife of Brian Schubel, of Wernersville; Nicholas Santoro, husband of Marci Santoro, of Bullhead City, AZ; John Santoro, husband of Cheryl Santoro, of Cumru Township; and Robert Santoro, partner of Rita Platt, of Milford Delaware; their 14 grandchildren; and their more than 20 great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and his brother, Robert Santoro, husband of Carloyn Santoro, of Leesport.

In addition to his parents, Nicholas and Anna Santoro, John was predeceased by his daughter, Ruth Caltagirone; and his siblings, Lucy Setly, Victor Santoro, and Florence Sands.

Contributions in John's memory may be offered to a charity of choice.

A Prayer Service for John will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until the start of the service. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.