Obituary of Andrew L. Santillo

In Branford, Dec. 23, 2010, Andrew "Andy" Santillo, born of Andrew Santillo and Margaret Fleming Santillo as a twin in the leap year of February 29, 1916. Husband of Stella Ormanchuk for 44 years and father of Beverly Silver, New York and William (Teresa) Santillo, New Haven. Beloved grandfather of Garrett and Treanna. Pre-deceased by twin brother Robert Santillo, and Russell Santillo. Formerly married to the deceased Annette DeVerniero Santillo Miron. Grew up in Newhallville and attended Lincoln School, Bassett Jr. High and Boardman Trade High School. A dedicated 40-year employee of The Winchester Repeating Arms. Co., New Haven. As a highly competitive athlete, Andy played semi-pro baseball, known as a line drive hitter and a renowned Connecticut catcher with a "fast and accurate throw." And for over two decades, he played for the Hartford Red Sox, Torrington Braves, Waterbury Brassco's and with and against the West Haven Sailors. His opposition also incuded the Meriden Insilco's, Brooklyn Dodger Rookies, and Stratford Flyers. He always spoke highly of his teammates: Teddy Grabeck, Bobby Barthelson, Eddie Torello, Teddy Grabowski and Whitey Piureck. He played against the barnstorming major league all-star teams with the likes of Jimmy Piersal, Johnny Mize, Dom DiMaggio, and Johnny Pesky. Long before it was accepted on the major league level in the 1930's and 1940's, Andy's teams played against some of the highly talented Negro teams which included the New York Black Yankees, Kansas City Monarchs, Boston Colored Giants and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League. Star players included Satchel Paige, Johnny Taylor, and a young and upcoming teenager, Willie Mays, who played with Birmingham. As an advocate for youth baseball, he coached in the pioneer Eddie Sheehan Little League, passing on his baseball acumen to future Hillhouse High star athlete Steve Swirsky and Hamden Hall and Yale star, pitcher and Captain, Billy Polinsky. He was an avid golfer and long-time loyal member of the New Haven Golf Club. In later years, he became a gardener sharing his abundant vegetable produce with his family and friends. Andy also became an expert philatelist and a member of the New Haven Philatelist Society. He was a devout fan of the Women's & Men's UCONN basketball teams, the New York Yankees, Football Giants, and Knicks. Also, an accomplished cabinetmaker with hands of gold, he made custom solid oak furniture and wooden toys for his grandchilden which they will always have to cherish. Above all Andy's greatest legacy is being considerd a true "gentleman" by all who met and knew him. Funeral from the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, Tuesday morning at 9:30. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michaels Church, New Haven, at 10:00. Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or to the New Haven Gridiron Club, PO Box 32, New Haven, CT 06501.