Obituary for Gerald Francis "Jerry" Santy
Gerald “Jerry” Francis Santy
March 26, 2021
Gerald F. Santy, 80, of Syracuse, passed away on Friday in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, of 60 years, Patricia Johnson Santy; his children, Scott (Michelle), Daryle (Jennifer), Bradford (April) and Kerri; his seven beautiful grandchildren, Tyler, Jessica (Kyle), Matthew, Jake, Zach, Emma and Parker; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased, by his parents, Joseph and Lillian; two brothers, Michael and Joseph Jr. and his sister, Lillian. Jerry’s greatest passion, aside from his family, was his music. He dedicated his own life to instilling his joy and passion for music into others. He began his teaching career with his friend Fred Straub at S&S Music in 1971, believing that music should be enjoyed for a lifetime. And that is clearly evident in the countless students he had taught over the course of his 50+years of music education. Yet, there was no greater pride for him than teaching his oldest grandson, Tyler, the saxophone. Jerry studied saxophone and clarinet with Santo “Sam” Russo, flute with John Oberbrunner, and Theory & Arranging with Joe Riposo. He later studied privately with legendary saxophone and clarinet master Joe Allard, who was Professor of Saxophone at New England Conservatory & Julliard. Jerry played professionally with his best friend of 63 years, David Orso, in the group “The Profiles”, as well as back up for entertainers such as Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, The Temptations, and McGuire Sisters. Many of these jobs were played as a member of the Stan Colella Orchestra. He was honored in 2000 by Mayor Bernardi & Senator DeFrancisco, at the Syracuse Jazz Fest for his exemplary playing and teaching. Former students came from all over the country to help celebrate as “Jerry’s Kids”. Jerry was again recognized in 2006, receiving the first ever “Jazz Educator of the Year” award by the CNY Jazz Orchestra. Many of Jerry’s students have gone on to perform professionally, as well as becoming music instructors themselves, carrying on the legacy of his teachings. He was also inducted into the North High School Hall of Fame in 2021. Jerry was a lifetime fan of the NY Mets & NY Jets, easily identified throughout Syracuse by the Met/Jet license plate he had for years. His love for the game of baseball was passed down to his children, deepened by the many games shared together at MacArthur Stadium and whiffle ball games on Malverne Drive and later in life, by watching his own grandsons play the game he so dearly loved. Jerry was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends with a cup of McDonald’s coffee in his hand! He is now at peace and walking with his Lord, Jesus Christ. Calling hours will be Thursday 10am –12 pm at Abundant Life Christian Center, 7000 All Nations Blvd, East Syracuse with a service to follow at 12:30pm. Entombment immediately following in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to JDRF of CNY 6320 Fly Rd, East Syracuse, NY 13057 and Abundant Life 7000 All Nations Blvd, East Syracuse, NY 13057.
March 26, 2021
Gerald F. Santy, 80, of Syracuse, passed away on Friday in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, of 60 years, Patricia Johnson Santy; his children, Scott (Michelle), Daryle (Jennifer), Bradford (April) and Kerri; his seven beautiful grandchildren, Tyler, Jessica (Kyle), Matthew, Jake, Zach, Emma and Parker; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased, by his parents, Joseph and Lillian; two brothers, Michael and Joseph Jr. and his sister, Lillian. Jerry’s greatest passion, aside from his family, was his music. He dedicated his own life to instilling his joy and passion for music into others. He began his teaching career with his friend Fred Straub at S&S Music in 1971, believing that music should be enjoyed for a lifetime. And that is clearly evident in the countless students he had taught over the course of his 50+years of music education. Yet, there was no greater pride for him than teaching his oldest grandson, Tyler, the saxophone. Jerry studied saxophone and clarinet with Santo “Sam” Russo, flute with John Oberbrunner, and Theory & Arranging with Joe Riposo. He later studied privately with legendary saxophone and clarinet master Joe Allard, who was Professor of Saxophone at New England Conservatory & Julliard. Jerry played professionally with his best friend of 63 years, David Orso, in the group “The Profiles”, as well as back up for entertainers such as Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, The Temptations, and McGuire Sisters. Many of these jobs were played as a member of the Stan Colella Orchestra. He was honored in 2000 by Mayor Bernardi & Senator DeFrancisco, at the Syracuse Jazz Fest for his exemplary playing and teaching. Former students came from all over the country to help celebrate as “Jerry’s Kids”. Jerry was again recognized in 2006, receiving the first ever “Jazz Educator of the Year” award by the CNY Jazz Orchestra. Many of Jerry’s students have gone on to perform professionally, as well as becoming music instructors themselves, carrying on the legacy of his teachings. He was also inducted into the North High School Hall of Fame in 2021. Jerry was a lifetime fan of the NY Mets & NY Jets, easily identified throughout Syracuse by the Met/Jet license plate he had for years. His love for the game of baseball was passed down to his children, deepened by the many games shared together at MacArthur Stadium and whiffle ball games on Malverne Drive and later in life, by watching his own grandsons play the game he so dearly loved. Jerry was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends with a cup of McDonald’s coffee in his hand! He is now at peace and walking with his Lord, Jesus Christ. Calling hours will be Thursday 10am –12 pm at Abundant Life Christian Center, 7000 All Nations Blvd, East Syracuse with a service to follow at 12:30pm. Entombment immediately following in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to JDRF of CNY 6320 Fly Rd, East Syracuse, NY 13057 and Abundant Life 7000 All Nations Blvd, East Syracuse, NY 13057.