William Richard Santacroce Sr.'s Obituary
William Richard Santacroce Sr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at the disappointing age of 91 - as it was his goal to live to 100.
William was the son of Nicola and Mary (Tarquinio) Santacroce (deceased). Born in Lawrence, he joined 7 siblings, and did not arrive empty handed. Bill had an identical twin brother Harry. William was predeceased by all his siblings, Mary Eva, Helen Diodati, Bernard Champy, Guido, Orlando, Joseph, Americo , Harry and Gerry Santacroce.
William graduated from Lawrence High School and joined the US Navy following six of his brothers before him in the military. There he spent 4 enjoyable years. Upon his honorable discharge, William began his 45-year career at the Internal Revenue Service in Andover.
It was at the IRS that he met his wife, Dolores (L'Ecuyer) and married her in 1958. She was the ultimate love of his life as they celebrated 50 years of marriage before her death 15 years ago.
William was a huge sports fan and for 40 years he and Steve Ewing sat through many Methuen Football games. He was his grandchildren's number one fan and prided himself for never missing a softball, volleyball, rugby, or football game that they were part of. He was proudly referred to as "Papa" by student athletes from various schools across the Merrimack Valley. He was the team’s Papa for sure, quick to praise, and ready for the post game high fives with a cow bell typically in hand!
William enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Concordia Club. Saturdays were a highlight with all the rounds of forty-fives card games, Sunday night football and all the laughs. He was grateful for them taking such good care of him when he was there!
William is survived by his three children, sons William Santacroce Jr. of Lawrence,
Ronald Santacroce and his wife Christine of Lawrence, and daughter Donna
(Santacroce) Henderson and her husband Gregg of Lawrence with whom he resided.
He was eternally grateful to watch his grandchildren grow up in the home they shared. He fondly remarked he was constantly surrounded by love and DOGS!!
William is also survived by his five grandchildren: Tyler Santacroce of Philadelphia, PA;
Ashley Collins of Dracut, MA; Zachary Henderson of Atlanta GA, Zoe Henderson of Lawrence and Isabel (Izzy) Henderson of Lawrence; his sister- in law Berniece Santacroce of Kingston, NH and many nieces and nephews and friends.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00AM following the calling hours at the funeral home. His burial will take place at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.
Friends may call on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 122 Amesbury St, Lawrence, MA, 01841.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Monica School 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen. William was a life-long advocate of Catholic education.
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