Thomas G. Santo, died Sunday, April 11, 2021. He was born March 2, 1958. He was the son of the Ralph and Teresa Fitzgerald Santo. Tom was a 1976 graduate of Sheffield High School. He was the manager of the Jock Shop of Warren for 10 years. He was also employed with the Warren County School District as Athletic Director and a Coach for 17 years. Tom was currently working as an Athletic Team Specialist for DeMans Team Sports and a sports analyst for Lilly Broadcasting. Tom was a former member for the District 10 Athletic Directors Associate and a member of their Executive Board. He was also a former member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association and a member of their Executive Committee.
Tom was a 30 plus year PIAA Football Official. He and his crewmates officiated over 900 games in that span. He was fortunate to have worked over 100 playoff games and 3 State Championships games. Tom worked at 54 different venues and officiated 112 different teams. He also officiated 23 different players who played in the NFL. His biggest thrill was being able to officiate practices for his beloved Penn State Nittany Lions.
Tom was passionate about Penn State Football and Men’s and Women’s basketball. He was a 38-year season ticket holder for football and attended many basketball games. He was also a fan of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Pirates. Tom was a proud member of the Penn State Nittany Lion Club.
He is survived by his wife, Molly whom he married on June 16, 1990, 3 Children – Stefanie of Pittsburgh, PA., Andrew (Marissa) Mt. Laurel, N.J., Kari of York, PA., his sister, Mary Beth (Wayne) Anderson of Russell, PA., In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by many cousins.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 8::00 P.M. where CDC guidelines of masks and social distancing will be observed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Friday, April 16, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, Saybrook, PA., with Fr. Stephen Schreiber, Pastor, officiating. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Sheffield Sports Booster, P.O. Box 183, Sheffield, PA., 16347-0183 or Warren Sports Booster, P.O. Box 304 Warren, PA., 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
My condolences to the Santo family upon reading this sad news. However, Tom was never caught without a smile or a story to tell or a nickname for everyone. His energy was endless as shown by his accomplishments and was super proud of his children and was all about “everything “ Penn State!! In younger years, I’ll never forget the ski trips to the Buckaloons with our friend Stacy, as we were ski buddies!! Tom will always be fondly remembered by me and will be missed
My condolences to the Santo family. Tom was always very a professional and conscientious football official. It was an honor to know him.
Dear Molly, Stefanie, Andrew, and Kari,
What sadness and devastation it must be for all of you in the death of your husband/father. He was such a good man and role model. His spirit and personality would always shine and he was an uplifting and light presence for others, God bless him. On behalf of Kate and Bryden, as well as myself, we send our deepest sympathy. We pray for your comfort and consolation now and in the future. In these difficult and trying times, we are thinking of you, and are so very sorry for your loss. Ms. Katherine Bowley, Kate and Bryden Bowley.
A greater sports fan never existed. My wife and I had the privilege to have seats beside Tom for many yers. We became friends and ofter talked by phone during the season and off season. Tom was the man when it came to PSU or Western PA sports. Being a Titusville native his Dad played with many of my fathers friends from Titusville. What great times we had at the railing in the end zone upper deck. Tom could abuse that railing like no otherr when PSU made another bone head play. I’m only sorry our friendship didn’t get off the field. Tom was a great fan and a good friend and will be missed by many.
My sincerest condolences to the entire Santo family, as I am very saddened by this news. I have many fond memories of Tom Santo. He played a large role in my development as a student-athlete at Eisenhower, and I will always be grateful for that. He was supportive, encouraging, and genuinely cared about athletes both on and off the court/field. May you all find comfort during this difficult time. He will truly be missed.
Our condolences to the Santo family. What fond memories we as a family have of Tom. His girls and our children graduated from Eisenhower High School. Many, many BB games and coaching. Yes, his smile…..very contagious. We are thinking of you during this difficult time in your lives. Marshall, Kim, Paul and Marion Sherer
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Santo family and all of the friends Tom has left behind for a better place. We will miss his insightful conversations, quick wit, and eagerness to say a kind word on the play of one of our student athletes. For years he has been the voice of the Warren Dragons Basketball Programs and we now say goodbye to a good friend and long time supporter. We will not forget you and the mark you have left on the lives of our listening fans. A final thank you for your commitment to us and a job well done. Rest easy my friend.
Tom was a good friend and cousin. He will be missed.
Coach Santo got mad at me when it mattered, had patience when I didn’t deserve it, and made sure I knew he believed in me in between.
My thoughts and love to the Santo family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Santo family! Tom left a legacy in the Warren county community and was a large part of being “the voice” of the Dragons!
We are very sorry for your loss & hope all his great memories will leave some happiness in your hearts
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Tom was such a nice guy and he so loved to report for us at the radio station.
He will be greatly missed.
Tom was such a nice guy! God’s Peace to Molly and his children. I so wish I had worked with him longer. He will be missed on 92 Gold and Kinzua Country. WE ARE!
– Lilly Broadcasting Sales Manager
Tom was a couple years younger at Sheffield High School. He always had the nicest smile. So sorry for your loss.
Pam English
My sincerest condolences to the entire Santo family. I always enjoyed talking to Tom at football and basketball games. Warren county sports lost a great man.
Dear Molly, Stefanie, Andrew & Kari I am so saddened and my thoughts and prayers go out to each of you.
Tom’s extroverted personality has provided many special family moments. “I was there it …. It was great ….. the Fitzgerald bash of ‘88” a family reunion that Tom organized in Pleasant Hill, CA at Uncle Larry’s. I still have my reunion T-shirt that he printed from the jock shop. Hikes to Big Rocks or Hector’s Falls, horseback riding in Kettleville, “deer spotting” with dog bullet on a summer evening while he was learning to drive or all of the teenage cousins singing James Taylor songs on the front porch at 226 Church St. or tailgating behind the north end zone at a PSU game while I was in grad school. Tom’s legacy is the joy and comraderie that he has brought to so many lives, mine being one of many.
My deepest condolences to the Santo family. Tom was a very special man. He had a very positive influence on EHS sports programs. I will always remember him as a great athlete director and coach. I’m very thankful I got to know him as friend
Sincerely heartbroken for the entire Santo family. So many memories dating all the way back to high school and later working together at Eisenhower High School. Tom will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, friend, and coach. Rest in peace dear friend, you will be missed by so many of us that had the honor of knowing you. Sending prayers of comfort during this most difficult time.
Tom was a coach and did many other functions under Andy Randas back in the 1980’s at Warren Area High School, Tom had a great influence and made a huge impact on how we handled ourselves and represented the basketball team during our formative years. Tom had a great energy and passion and always looked where to be a positive force wherever he could. After years around sports, this behavior is what make this experience truly special and remarkable.
I’m so sorry to hear about Tom, I thought highly of him and the outstanding man he was! My prayers are with you Molly and family
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I knew him as an official and Demanns Sales rep. Such a man of integrity and genuine sincerity for others. Please take comfort in knowing that Heaven is far more enriched with him there!
As a co-worker of mine for many years, I feel quite blessed to have known Tom . He touched so many people with his great personality, wit, and unmistakable smile. He was as genuine as the day is long and will be sorrowfully missed by all. So proud to say he was a good friend of mine . To Molly, Steph, Kari, Andrew I pray that God will grant you strength at this trying time.
I will always remember Tom as an upbeat and positive guy. He contributed so much of his time to the sports scene in Warren county which he was passionate about. He would approach me after some of the games in which my son’s Evan and Griffin played in for the Warren Dragons and praise their performance and give them some encouraging words. LOL he would always tell Griffin that he needed to pass less and shoot more.
I will always remember Tom with a smile on his face and a open heart to all that knew him. I had so many deep conversation with him during a difficult time in my life, he was a true friend. The entire Santo family will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come.
Molly, Stefanie, Andrew, and Kari –
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am so sorry. This is such devastating news. My dad always had a great time bonding with Tom about football and they shared that Penn State love, which was a connection that meant so much to Dad. I will always remember Tom’s sense of humor, his infectious passion for sports and how much he loved his family. In the few times I’d seen him in the past 15 years, Tom was always so proud when talking about you kids and all your activities/accomplishments and just lit up when he said your names. May the support of your friends and family carry you through this time.
Love,
Joanne
????? Any relative of Ralph Santo Teacher Coach at Sheffield High School. Student and teacher at Sheffield schools!! George Andrews
Hi George,
Yes he was Ralph’s son. Thank you,
Molly & children my sincere condolences. I am a retired PIAA official Football & Baseball from Erie, Pa. having had the honor of refereeing with Tom in games and playoffs. Tom was a man of his word and a well respected official. I considered him a friend a library of knowledge is gone as is his wisdom. Rest in Peace.
Jerry DeLuca
While it was great to be back at beaver stadium after a years absence, I was told by Tom’s daughter that he had passed away in April. As an usher in Tom’s section for over 20 years, he was always there to explain a call or just someone to vent thru. Penn state football has lost a true gentleman, a proud supporter and most certainly its number 1 fan. Rest in peace Tom, ngu will miss you .