Ralph R. Santino

Ralph Santino

Grand Blanc, Michigan

Formerly of Merrill, Michigan

Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Age 84 years.

The son of the late Frank and Sarah (Fulco), Ralph was born on April 14, 1938, in Clio, Michigan. He proudly served in the United States Army. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Ralph married the love of his life, Mary Jacobs, on October 26, 1963. They shared nearly 54 wonderful years together. She preceded him in death on October 15, 2016. Ralph worked at Eaton Manufacturing, retiring in 1995 following 30 years of loyal and dedicated service. He was a longtime member of St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Merrill. Ralph was an excellent provider for his family, and had a strong work ethic. He was a very loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. When it came to his family, Ralph was extremely generous, selfless, and would often spoil his family rotten. Ralph enjoyed traveling, bowling, going to the casino, fishing, and coin collecting. Above all, Ralph cherished the time spent with his family and loved ones; especially celebrating every occasion with a homecooked meal, such as spaghetti & meatballs.

Surviving are his daughter and her husband: Nicole and Robert Gagne; grandchildren: Kristen (Keith) Williams, Kaitlyn (Chris) Burda, Robert Santino-Gagne; great-grandchildren: Eric, Cole, and Mary Williams; baby Burda, due in September; sister: Jackie Dyer; two brothers-in-law: Gene (Shirley) Jacobs Tom (Janice) Jacobs; sister-in-law: Lola Santino; aunt: Josephine Lazarowicz; uncle: Joe Fulco. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers: Frances (Fred) Egerer, Luciano (Kathy) Santino, Anna (John) Zaragoza, Mary (Fred) Walker, Joe Santino, and Theresa (Jack) Compton, sister-in-law, Pat Jacobs, and a very special friend Sue Ann.

The family would like to thank, Mid-Michigan Hospice and Grand Blanc Fields Assisted living for the love and the care they gave Ralph.

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. John XXIII, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 419 S. Midland Street, Merrill, Michigan 48637. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp, S.J. will officiate with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603; and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church on Friday. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John XXIII, Sacred Heart Catholic Church.