William Joseph Santore
William Joseph Santore, age 91, of Chardon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Nov. 28, 2025, at Maplewood at Chardon.
Born on Aug. 12, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Thomas and Sadie (nee Totarella) Santore, Bill lived a full and loving life surrounded by family and friends.
A graduate of Mayfield High School, Bill was the captain of the football team and it was during these early years that he developed the leadership and loyalty that defined him throughout his life.
In 1954, he married the love of his life, Ruth Farron, and together they raised their family in Chardon. Their marriage was filled with devotion and warmth until Ruth’s passing in 2006, a loss Bill carried tenderly in his heart.
Bill worked for Chrysler in Twinsburg, Ohio, as a safety director for 38 years, earning the respect of colleagues through his dedication and steady presence. Outside of work, he enjoyed golf, hunting, car racing, traveling and spending winters in New Smyrna, Fla. He was also a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, cheering faithfully for his hometown teams.
Above all, Bill was a family man. His wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was known for his kindness, his welcoming smile and the love he freely gave to those around him. Bill’s gentle spirit, steady guidance and genuine care for others will be remembered always.
Bill is survived by his children William J. (Joyce) Santore Jr., of Munson Township, Ohio, Gary (Laverne) Santore, of Middlefield, Ohio, and Paula (Michael) Tice, of Aurora, Ohio; his grandchildren, Heather (Brian) Boehnlein, Todd Santore, Rick (Jo) Ceculski, Cheryl (John) Long, Denise (Joel) Billock, Lindsay (Dr. Ryan) Tomlinson and Gary (Jennifer) Santore, and Tyler, Nathan and Alexis Tice; his great-grandchildren, Addison Boehnlein, Taylor and Levi Santore, Kara, Ryan, Isabella, Sabrina, Robby, Abby, Ben, Ransom, Alden and Lydia; and his great-great-grandchildren, Nathan, Brooke and Margo; and sister Florence Srp, of Seven Hills, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Ruth; daughter Laurie Santore; sister Rita; and brother, Thomas “Doc” Santore.
Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 10 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, all held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 401 North St., Chardon.
A burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
Bill’s love, kindness, and steady warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
