Shrewsbury – Michael J. DeSantis, 72, of Shrewsbury, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, in his home, surrounded by his loving family; following a courageous four year fight against leukemia.
Michael is survived by three daughters, Michele Higgins, Nicole Kapurch and her husband Jay, all of Charlton, and Rachael Najdanovic and her husband Ivan of Shrewsbury; a son, Michael S. DeSantis of Worcester; a brother, Louis DeSantis of Worcester; two sisters, Angelina Roche of Worcester and Rose Gravlin of Shrewsbury; seven grandchildren, Jordyn, Nikolas, Jared, Ava, Zack, Marina and Julia; many nieces and nephews.
He was born in Worcester, son of Leonard and Rachael (Amedeo) DeSantis. He graduated from high school in Worcester and served his nation proudly in the Army National Guard.
Michael was the proud founder of DeSantis Masonry and was a talented brick and stone mason, practicing his trade throughout the area. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church and the International Union of Brick Layers and Allied Crafts Workers, Local 3.
Michael loved his family and friends. He was invigorated with love and life, whenever he was surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren.
Calling hours for Michael will be held Sunday, Sept. 23, from 3 to 7 p.m., in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral will be held Monday, Sept. 24 from the funeral home, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, 24 Mulberry St., Worcester. Interment in Saint John's Cemetery will be held privately.
The family would like to thank Dr. Rajneesh Nath and all of the nurses and staff of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at UMass for all of their hard work, dedication, support, and love throughout Mike's fight.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Bone Marrow Transplant Program. Please note that your gift is in memory of Michael J DeSantis. Gifts may be made by check payable to UMMF – Nath-Bone Marrow Transplant Program and mailed to UMass Medicine Development Office, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Or, you may make your gift online at: http://w3.umassmed.edu/OnlineDonation.
