Shrewsbury – Nal Santora was a son of Italian immigrants who instilled a hard work ethic in all of their children. Nal worked as a mason in earlier years and it was a trade he maintained all his life. The walls and stone work at his much loved home are the labors of love. Nal died at home Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 with his family by his side. He was 86.
Natale Santora was born Nov. 13, 1930 in Worcester, a son of Nicola and Antoinette (Sacco) Santora. Raised and educated in Worcester he honorably served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean War. On Aug. 1, 1953 he married Mary E. Marley in St. Joseph’s Church in Leicester and later moved to Shrewsbury.
Aside from his early work as a mason he was a paint supply salesman for Devoe Paints and M.A.B. Paint Co. In 1978 he established Nal’s Paint Supply Company on Brooks Street in Worcester. He offered good products, reasonable prices and reliable service that built relationships with many contractors and customers. His hard work was taught to his eight children, many of whom joined him in the company business and as a result they expanded locations in Auburn, Leominster, and now in Shrewsbury.
When not at work, Nal was tending to projects in and around his home. In later years, he and Mary enjoyed time during the fall and winter at their home in Naples, Fla.
In addition to his wife of 63 years, Mary, he leaves their children, Debra A. Hill and her husband Bill of Seabrook, Texas, Sandra J. Weller and her husband Terry of West Boylston, David A. Santora and his wife Jeanne of Shrewsbury, William M. Santora of Worcester, Donna M. Soucy and her husband Paul of Worcester, Lisa A. Appel and her husband Kevin of Sherman, Conn., Cinday A. Santora and her partner Rick Snelling of Millbury, and Richard F. Santora of Worcester; his eight grandchildren, Zachary Santora, Alexis Docherty, Amy Descarreaux, Paul Soucy, Cody, Mary and Brendan Appel, and Michael Fox; his three great-grandchildren, Mia, Nicholas, and Jacob, and many nieces and nephews. Nal was predeceased by his siblings, Samuel, Michael and Frank Santora, Anne Vincent, and Lucy Orcutt.
The Santora family would like to thank the VNA Hospice and Nurses for the wonderful care they provided to Nal and his family.
Family and friends will honor and remember Nal’s life by gathering Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton, where his graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Fr. Manuel Clavijo will officiate. Military honors will follow. All are welcome. A Celebration of Nal’s Life will follow at Wachusett CountryClub, 187 Prospect St., West Boylston, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a contribution in memory of Nal to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01609.
