Stephen R Santarpio

Stephen R. Santarpio, 74, of West Boylston, formerly of Northborough, MA, died on Thursday, January 2, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Steve was born in Boston, MA, son of the late Romeo and Zita (Gaviani) Santarpio. He was raised in Newton, MA and was a 1968 graduate of Newton North High School. He later earned his business degree from Northeastern University and began his Co-op job at Sears Roebuck and Co. where his career spanned over three decades. After spending years selling and designing kitchens and bathrooms and various home improvements, Steve decided to change careers and began working in the new and upcoming assisted living industry, a career that brought him great pleasure and personal fulfillment. 

Steve and his wife Carol Anne were fortunate to have traveled the world in their 40’s and 50’s and upon retirement they sold their family home in Northborough and settled into an easier way of living which allowed them to continue their travels. Steve was very proud of the accessible home he designed to accommodate their needs as they aged and this planning proved to be instrumental in his care over the last 6 months of his life. 

If you knew Steve, you knew that he was really a beach bum at heart (and he had the year round tan to prove it) He spent every summer since his birth at his grandparents cottage on Salisbury beach. These were his favorite childhood memories and It was very important to him to continue that tradition with his own family, so he made sure they all had two weeks on that same stretch of Salisbury beach, every year. He relished in the carefree days; building sandcastles, and riding the waves until the sun went down. His family was his greatest pride and joy. He was most happy when spending time with them and he delighted in his role as “Papa” to his two grandsons. He and “Mimi” could always be seen on the sidelines cheering them on at their many baseball, football and hockey games. 

Steve loved classic cars and enjoyed long drives with Carol Anne in their 1969 Corvette. He was an avid NASCAR fan, even getting the opportunity to drive a race car at Talladega Super Speedway in Alabama. From a young age, Steve had a deep love for music. He would spend hours upon hours listening to old records or making mix tapes. He loved to sit around and share his extensive music collection with friends and family. As his illness progressed, music continued to bring him comfort. Steve had a fantastic sense of humor. He could always make you laugh, and oftentimes make you shake your head in disbelief, as he always told it as he saw it. 

Steve is survived by the love of his life and his best friend, Carol Anne (Halkerston) Santarpio of West Boylston. His cherished daughter Nicole DiPersio and her husband Rick DiPersio who Steve truly considered a son. His two beloved grandsons Nicolas and Cole DiPersio, all of Hudson. His brother in law, Charles Griffin of Newburyport and sister in law, Gillian Griffin who predeceased him by one month. Many other relatives and close friends, including his buddy “Chester,” their rescue dog, who has been a true companion to both Steve and Carol Anne.

Steve will be missed immensely and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. It was his wish for his family to celebrate his life privately. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.