Major Ronald Santagati, a resident of Salem, NH passed away peacefully at his home on February 14, 2025. He was the oldest son of the late Charles & Lydia (Zazzo) Santagati of Lawrence, MA. Ronald loved his family and his country. We know he wanted to spend this Valentine's Day with his beloved wife of 68 years, Joan (Palmer) Santagati who recently passed.  We are heartbroken, but we understand.

Ronald attended Central Catholic High School, Lawrence, MA - Class of 1951. He Captained the first unbeaten, untied football team in 1950. During his 2nd year at Merrimack College, he received his draft notice. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and served as an Air Force Navigator, logging over 5,000 flying hours on multiple aircraft during 3 wars – Korean War, Cold War (He always insisted it wasn't cold when he was in so it counted.) & Vietnam War. He earned a BA in History from S.E. Oklahoma University, BS in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University & MBA from USC – all while on active duty.

He served in the military for 20 years, retiring in 1973, after which he worked in engineering & government contracts/purchasing. He finished up his career teaching at Pelham High School – his favorite place. His former students and colleagues are a continual blessing to him and this family.

Ronald was predeceased by his son Kevin Santagati, brother Charles Santagati Jr., and granddaughter Krystal Marchand. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Santagati, son-in-law John Laurenza, brother and sister-in-law Richard & Marilyn Santagati, sister Nina (Santagati) MacDonald & partner William Shepley, sister-in-law Elizabeth Santagati & sister-in-law Beverly (Palmer) DiMarzo, along with 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren (soon to be 11) along with many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family extends our appreciation to the medical teams at Southern NH Internal Medicine, Northeast Urological Surgery, Lawrence General Hospital, Amedisys Hospice in Bedford, NH & the Manchester NH VA.  They went above and beyond for him.

A Memorial Mass will be Friday, March 21st at 10:30 AM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Rd, Salem, NH. Please arrive by 10:15 AM. Arrangements are under the care of Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St. Salem, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Major Ronald S. Santagati, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com