Michael Santa Maria

Michael Santa Maria
July 16, 1929 – July 28 2021
Michael was born to emigrant parents Jack & Antoinette who came to this country from Bari, Italy. They came by boat through Ellis island, and their names are both etched on the “Wall of Honor” (pictured in the video) He had three siblings Grace, Matilda & Dominick. They grew up in Astoria Queens, then moved to Farmingdale Long Island where he excelled in many sports.
After high school he joined the Navy where he fought in the Korean War. He was very proud to serve our country, and proud to be a Veteran 🇺🇸 When he came home he met and married our Mom who had two daughters Arleen & Adrienne, they went on to have four more children, Pamela, Antoinette, Michele, and Michael.
With six children, he worked two jobs to make ends meet. He went on to open a Nursery with his brother Dominick in Bellmore (5 Star Nursery) where they sold flowers and plants, and seasonal Christmas trees. We always had the biggest tree. But his true passion was Horse Racing. He bought his first horse and he was hooked. He learned to Train Horses and become a Harness Trainer/Driver at Roosevelt and Yonkers Raceway. He was somewhat of a celebrity back then, it was an exciting time. Later on, he owned a real estate office and invested in some homes.
He retired young and moved down to Florida about 30 years ago. He was very social and had many long time great friends. Two who were like our favorite uncles, Augie and Vinnie, they were best of friends for over 50 years. He loved to travel and took many cruises with friends and family. He was an avid golfer, and loved playing pinochle with his friends almost every week. He actually played up until a few months ago.
When he came to NY he also enjoyed spending time with his seven Grandchildren, Dawn, Richie, Michael, Vanessa, Britni, Robby, and Jena. He was also blessed to have nine Great Grandchildren, Ethan, Emily, Thomas, Brendan, Matthew, Michael, Mia, Colton and Lorelai.
One of his biggest passions was great food. He knew all the best restaurants because he ate out most of the time. So when family or friends came to visit, he knew just the right place to take you. He had a passion for life and he lived it well. He always had a smile and a good joke to tell. He got to do almost everything on his bucket list.
Two years ago we had a 90th birthday party for him, a wonderful celebration of his life, and a life well lived (pictures in the video) We loved him and will miss him dearly, but we are at peace knowing his life was so very full. His legacy will live on though each and every one of us, and these great memories will be in our hearts forever and always 💔
In lieu of flowers, our family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association
https://act.alz.org
Or the American Heart Association in honor of his memory
https://www.heart.org
Thank you all so much for your love and support 💕