William Santillo

William Santillo obituary, Jackson, NJ

William Santillo

William Santillo Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 14, 2025.
With heavy hearts, we announce William (Bill) Santillo passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on July 12, 2025 at the age of 76. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bill was born on October 21, 1948, in Newark, NJ, grew up in Nutley, NJ, and raised his family in Bellville and Madison, NJ before moving to Jackson, NJ 18 years ago. Bill lived a life marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community.

Bill was the beloved son of Anthony (Tony) Santilli and Nancy Trywish, both of who preceded him in death, along with his wife, and childhood sweetheart, Millie Stella Santillo with whom he shared the deepest of love, and his brother-in-law, Angelo Stella, who he often referred to as "my little brother". He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn Granieri Santillo, his son Matthew Santillo, and his daughter Kimberly (Joseph) Kessler, and their daughter Kylie. Bill was the proudest of grandfathers to his beloved granddaughter, Kylie Kessler, who brought him immense joy and happiness. Not a minute passed where she wasn't in his thoughts.

With Bill's marriage to Marilyn five years ago, he was blessed with many additions to his family, including Richard (Bussayarat) Policano, Christopher (Jeri) Policano, Daniel (Heather) Policano, and daughters Amanda (Jared) Granieri-Frank and Alyssa Granieri. Their children, Daniel, Mason, Logan, Lily, Noah, Ruthie, Jonathan, Madeline, Arabelle, and Timothy held a special place in Bill's heart as they were loved so dearly.

A proud veteran, Bill served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, where he developed a deep love for his country that remained with him throughout his life. After his military service, he pursued his passion for music which was developed and encouraged by his mother at the early age of eight years old. He was an accomplished drummer and professional musician, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the pleasure of hearing him play. His love for music continued to flourish over the years, as he enjoyed countless concerts across many genres.

Bill was not only a talented musician but also a self-taught artist who expressed himself creatively through a variety of paintings and drawings. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, taking great pride in his ability to deliver the same collection of "dad jokes" time and time again. He was a prodigious storyteller, often focused on his impressive experiences as a professional musician. He had an uncanny ability to draw people in and create lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

Later in life, Bill made a living as a Finance Manager in the automobile industry. Then, in his semi-retirement years, Bill dedicated himself to serving his community by working as a driver for Monmouth County SCAT and several senior living communities. He took great pride in ensuring that those in need were cared for, often bringing smiles and laughter to their days.

Bill was a man of great character - honest, reliable, and a hardworking individual. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and he was a loving father, husband, and grandfather who took pride in every moment spent with his loved ones. Whether it was sharing life lessons or indulging in simple pleasures like eating fudge pops, Bill valued the bonds of family and friendship above all else.

As we remember Bill, we celebrate a life well-lived, and a life filled with love, laughter, and a commitment to family, friends, and country. His legacy will live on through the stories he shared, the lessons he taught, and the love he instilled in those around him. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to attend his 10:30a Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Visitation with the family will be available from 9:30a-10:15a in the vestibule of the church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jazz House Kids (via www.jazzhousekids.org or through Venmo: @jazzhousekids), a Montclair, NJ-based 501(c)(3). This organization aims to bridge the artistic gap and improve scholastic outcomes for students in under-resourced districts like Newark and Paterson. They offer year-round musical education and performance programs for children aged 8 to 18, regardless of their financial circumstances.



A celebration of life, where family and friends can come together to share memories and honor the remarkable man that he was, will be held in his honor following the funeral mass. Details will be provided at the funeral mass or by contacting the family. Just as Bill would like it, all are welcome.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Susan Davenport posted to the memorial.

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Michael Fusco posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

Susan Davenport

Yesterday

Although I cannot be with you on Saturday, I´m there in spirit. Holding you all close in prayer. Blessings, Sue & Karen

Gloria Jaye

Yesterday

Bill was a wonderful friend and I enjoyed talking with him, especially about the world of music! We've had similar experiences in our music careers and sometimes, briefly crossed paths, but it brought back memories & laughter that couldn't be matched.
I will cherish those "later-years"conversations with fond thoughts & will think of you every time I have to sing a request for "Short Shorts"!
Mike and I will see you again someday, Bill-
...and now you get to join a pain-free home of love and in peace, with all those you dearly loved & missed, who left before you!
sending love to you and your family, especially Kylie who I know you adored from the time you woke in the morning till you closed your eyes at bedtime! Now you can watch over her 24/7!
Gloria J
G

Michael Fusco

Yesterday

Billy you are my lifelong friend we have so many memories together I'll never forget you may you rest in peace.

Eileen Abate and Frank Abate

July 16, 2025

Bill, your warm smile and kind, generous heart endeared you to all. I always remember the fun, joy filled times we shared with you and your mom, Nancy, during the summers in Ortley Beach at mom and dad's summer home. We laughed in the sand and in the ocean and the nights on the boardwalk in Sea side Heights-- All cherished memories. God has called you home now to the welcoming arms of our dearly departed. Rest in peace dear cousin-as your mom and Millie and our wonderful grandparents embrace you. I love you.

Lisa Sondak

July 16, 2025

I´ve known Bill for many years and can honestly say he was one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever known. Always there to help a friend, always had a big smile and soft voice to comfort. You will be so missed by so many Bill. RIP until we meet again

Mario Campanaro

July 15, 2025

Billy, I miss you already. I´ll miss calling you and hearing you say "Hey Pal". I can´t believe you´re gone but in my heart you´ll always be with me and Phyllis. Love you like a brother. Until we meet again.

Judy Amato

July 15, 2025

Rest in peace, Cousin Billy!

John & Addie Cinquino

July 14, 2025

We are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend Billy. He has always held a special place in our hearts and we will always remember our high school days together and the good old days of bands and music. Billy´s warmth, loyalty, laughter and love of family and friends were gifts to everyone who knew him. Marilyn, Kim and Mat, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family during this time of sorrow. We will miss him dearly and cherish the memories always.

With deepest sympathy and love,
John & Addie Cinquino

Jimmy Riccio

July 14, 2025

To my other brother. I knew you for over 50 years. Thru many trials and tribulations our friendship survived. We enjoyed performing together and I believe shared many musical moments. I will never forget you. God Bless. Jimmy.

Mary Ann Olivieri

July 14, 2025

Billy and Milly great years in Madison
Rest in peace Billy remember you fondly

Joseph Tripoldi

July 14, 2025

I will never forget those young years with Bill We were always together. He was always a caring young man and was a good friend to me.I just loved playing live music with him. I enjoyed when he practiced with us in our band down my parents basement, we had such a good time.Memories of Bill i will never forget.

Mary Ann Cafone

July 14, 2025

My deepest condolences to Marilyn & Bill´s family. I grew up in the neighborhood (King St), Nutley, knew Bill for a long time & recently ran into him at the Lizzie Rose Theater of course to see Drummer Bernard Purdy. May Bill rest in God´s Loving Arms

Carol Vittoria

July 14, 2025

Bob and I met Bill through Our dear friend Marilyn about six years ago. He was very polite, friendly, talented and artistic. He and Marilyn formed a friendship and family bond together almost instantly and the rest is history! Since we live in Florida, we didn´t see Bill often but we´ll always remember him as being very hospitable, polite and "Loving Marilyn!"
And now Bill it´s time to Rest In Peace and Rock On!

John & Ann Gualberto

July 14, 2025

Great memories of our friendship we will never forget. God Bless you. Your in our hearts forever. Will miss you. John & Ann
PS Billy give my regards to Vinnie.

Janice E. Wojcik

July 14, 2025

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Bill through our mutual friend, Joe Norosavage. Although I only knew Bill for a few short years, he was a consumme musician and a stand-up guy. Together with his wonderful wife Marilyn, along with fellow performers and good friends Julian Hernandez and Dominique Carmen, a few years ago we wrote and performed together a song entitled "Glory To Ukraine; a song we all composed to help raise money for the country of Ukraine and their ongoing war. I will remember Bill always for his beautiful aura and million dollar smile and personality. You will be sorely missed, Bill. You can now join your wonderful mama Nancy, another beautiful soul. RIP. xo

John Amato

July 14, 2025

Billy and I had a special connection as we were both professional drummers. Every time we were together we talked about music of the 60's, 70's and 80's and how much music has changed and stayed the same. Occasionally, we'd go to his music room to listen to music and play the drums. I will miss my cousin but I will always remember the good times with him. Rest in peace

Toni & Dan Seddo

July 14, 2025

Our Dear friend Bill there is so many times we have all spent together in such a short time and I´m so thankful for all the caring and love you shared with us all..this is the next chapter in our life and I know the dear Lord will lead you to eternal happiness with your loved ones but just know you will always me missed and loved ..May you Rest in peace

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Toni &Dan Seddo

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Yesterday

Susan Davenport posted to the memorial.

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Gloria Jaye posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Michael Fusco posted to the memorial.