Albert A SantoroAge 79 Albert Santoro passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, September 1st. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 23, 1935 to the late Peter Anthony and Alfea (Nee: Neri) Santoro. He was predeceased by his sister Alberta Camoirano and wife Barbara K. Santoro. Prior to starting an international supply and exporting business of high temperature flame and heat resistant textiles and products in 1994, Al worked for 30 years with the manufacturing facility, Haveg Industries. At a very early age, "Big Al," as his friends would call him, discovered a love for playing reed instruments" first the clarinet and then the saxophone. In 1951, at the age of 16, he formed his first band, The Stardusters, playing mostly at school dances around the area. He later renamed his band, Al Santoro and the Hi-Liters, and has entertained those within the tri-state area for 63 years - at more weddings followed by anniversaries followed by second and third generation weddings to count. In addition to playing in his own band, he was a member of the 287th Army Band playing for dignitaries, politicians, and even a couple of Presidents. Most recently, Al truly enjoyed playing with so many countless and talented musicians from across the State as well as tooting his horn as a member of several area big bands. He forged lasting friendships from playing music and he always cherished the times he spent with his fellow musicians. He loved music dearly, but also found great joy in gardening and spending time at the beach. Al always loved travel, and over time, had visited many countries outside of the United States (with Italy taking the number one spot). From the bandstand at Bellevue Park to the boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach, Al brought unlimited joy to so many throughout our community. Behind the scenes, he was very active with area not-for-profit organizations helping to bring funding and awareness to each cause. These groups included serving the Board of Trustees for Societi da Vinci and Italo-Americans United; Chairman Emeritas of Delaware All-State Theatre; Delaware Hospice volunteer; and one of the first presidents to lead the Board of Trustees for Delaware Children's Theatre. Albert Santoro is survived by his brother Arthur Santoro and his wife Renee of Landenberg, PA; his daughter Deena Santoro of Wilmington, DE; his son Anthony Santoro and his wife Kristina of Newark, DE; his son Nick Santoro of Wilmington, DE; his son Jeffrey Santoro of Wilmington, DE; his grandchildren: Ryszard, Dmitrik, Anthony, and Brandon.Al will be missed dearly by his beloved nephews, nieces, extended family, friends, and his companion Doris Emory. Family and friends are invited to visit and pay respects to Al and family at St. Anthony's of Padua Catholic Church at 901 N. Dupont St, Wilmington, DE 19805 on Friday, September 5th in the evening from 5 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony's of Padua Catholic Church on Saturday, September 6th, at 10 am. There will be no morning visitation. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Albert's name to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Shopping Center, Newark, DE 19711.MealeyFuneralHomes.com (302) 652-5913