Stephen L. Santo

Stephen L. "Steve" Santo, age 83 of Defiance, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at CHP Defiance Areas Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born on March 9, 1942 to the late Stephen and Anne (Kastura) Santo in Detroit, Michigan. Steve was a graduate of Paulding High School and attended Wayne State University. He proudly served our country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from November, 1961 to November, 1965. On May 13, 1967 he married Joanne (Noll) Santo who survives.

Steve was a faithful and active member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He served on the parish council, volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul Society and served as President of Diocesan SVDP for three years. He worked as an electrician at General Motors for 36 years until his retirement. He was a member of Defiance Elks #147, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Ohio High School Athletic Association from his years spent as a Track and Football Official. Steve served as an Exalted Ruler and Secretary at Defiance Elks Lodge. He was a volunteer Fireman and EMT with South Richland Fire Department, a Librarian at CCNO for ten years, and most recently volunteered at Defiance ProMedica Regional Hospital. Steve loved spending time with his family, having morning breakfast with the guys, his Wednesday Dinner Group, and the monthly lunch with his brothers. Steve enjoyed doing a variety of puzzles and was a huge fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. He will be greatly missed by his family and many good friends and colleagues.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Joanne of Defiance, his son Stephen Santo of Dayton, OH, and daughter Yvette (Scott) Schnegg of Cincinnati, OH. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Jacob Schnegg, Anna Schnegg, Sydne Santo, Madison Santo and Ryan (Michaela) Santo, one great-grandchild, and his siblings, Veronica Kromer, David (Karen) Santo and Tim Santo, all of Paulding, OH, and Tony (Deb) Santo of Defiance, OH.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Richard Santo, and brother-in-law Deacon John Kromer.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm with Fr. Ed Schleter officiating. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, September 12th at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. David Cirata officiating. Steve will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by VFW #3360.

Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Society, CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, or St. Mary's Catholic Church for masses. 

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