Anthony Daniel Santolino, age 44, of La Porte, passed away on October 21, 2014 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
He was born in Gary, IN, on November 7, 1969 to James and Judith (Cardinale) Santolino.
Surviving are his mother, Judy; brothers, James, Daniel, and Vincent Santolino; sister, Amy Ledenbach, grandmother, Gladys Smith; fiancé, Amanda "Mandy" Armstrong; her son, Dylan Armstrong, who were both the loves of Tony's life. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of wonderful loyal friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, James who died at age 44 in 1985; stillborn baby brother (Vincent's twin); grandfather, Steve Cardinale; grandparents, Joseph and Anna Santolino.
In 1977 the Santolino family moved to La Porte and Tony graduated from St. Joseph Catholic grade school. He attended La Porte High School where when he was a freshman, he was the kicker for the Senior Varsity football team. He also was on the wrestling team. He formed a rock band in high school with three friends called "Merkury". They all left with his older brother Jim who drove them to Hollywood, CA., where Tony earned top awards and a voice degree from Musicians Institute in 1988. In the 1990's Tony had a 2nd band "Broken n Bent" with four friends, one being his cousin Nick Cardinale. A third band with three friends came later "The Mojo Theory". In 2006 he recorded one CD "The Tail of Rock and Roll" with 17 songs. Once he returned to La Porte he had various jobs and worked also for his brother Dan at Daniel's Professional Carpet Cleaning. He earned his GED on December 16, 1998.
Tony loved music and stayed a songwriter, singer, and guitar player all his life following in the footsteps of his older brother Jim. He absolutely loved his, once upon a time, 1991 Pontiac Trans AM, white firebird . He loved anything chocolate, especially chocolate cake, vanilla creamer in his coffee, religious items and Jesus and Mary. He was fond of praying the Hail Mary. He suffered from deep depression and great anxiety which rolled up and down throughout his life and he had been treated for it many times. As his mother, who he always said to me " I love you mom." Anthony will be so very deeply missed by his devoted family and precious friends forevermore. Someday we will meet Anthony again between the planets and the sun. Please pray for him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Eduardo officiating. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Tony's fiancé and her son, Amanda and Dylan, c/o Judy Santolino, 1029 Indiana Ave, La Porte, IN 46350.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
Wednesday October 29, 2014, 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Tuesday October 28, 2014, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Cutler Funeral Home & Cremation Center