Robert Rene' Desantis, Sr.

Robert (Bob) Rene DeSantis Sr., 81 passed away on August 14th at home after a long battle with lung cancer. He was born on September 1st, 1937 in Bethlehem, PA and graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem. He then entered the Air Force, served for four years, and was very proud of his status as a veteran and his chance to serve his country.

After leaving the Air Force he worked for the RCA Corporation with postings in both Alaska and Greenland. He then worked for 25 years as a distribution manager for the Eutectic Welding Company in Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit and then finally in Atlanta. The Atlanta area has been his residence since 1971. He then worked in the same capacity for Sola Optical for 16 years until his retirement in 2002.

Bob had a lifelong love of sports, especially baseball and basketball, and enjoyed both playing and watching – especially his Atlanta teams. He was a serious Atlanta Braves fan! He enjoyed time at the beach and especially time with his family and grand-daughters.

He was the son of Joseph and Juliette (Merlin) DeSantis and was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Elizabeth and Regina and his brothers Harry and Joseph. Bob was married for 62 years to Jean (Bundra) DeSantis. He is survived by his two sons Robert Jr. and Dominic, his daughter-in-law Kaye DeSantis and his granddaughters Anna DeSantis Welsh (Nick) and Renee DeSantis Mullikin (Christopher).

Bob was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for 46 years and was active as a volunteer in their St. Martin de Porres food ministry and also in the church’s veteran support ministry.

A funeral mass and reception with be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Chamblee, GA on Tuesday, August 20th at 11:00 am with a reception at the church to follow.

In lieu of flowers or food, Mass Intentions would be appreciated OR donations can be made to the Holy Cross St. Martin de Porres food pantry for a family that has been designated. Please note on any St Martin donations that they are for the “DeSantis family intention”.