Obituary of Anthony Santia
Anthony “Tony” James Santia was born April 16, 1968 and entered his eternal rest on January 14, 2019 in the presence of his younger sister, brother-in-law, and three Matheny staff by his side. Surrounded by family and staff, Tony peacefully slipped away.
Tony was admitted to the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in 1975. He spent much of his life, 43 years, at Matheny. He was one of the residents gainfully employed by Borders bookstore in Bridgewater, NJ, while living at a Matheny group home. He spent his last years in the Matheny Hospital, where he captivated the hearts of patients and staff, and here he was the internal mailman, a role that he took pride in and cherished.
Tony was an engaging man, who embraced life freely, especially music. His favorite genre was classic rock, including Kiss, Journey, The Eagles, and Alice Cooper. He enjoyed music both as a listener and participant. He played his guitar (of which he had a few) and performed in some coffee houses. He loved classic cars, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, making models, playing poker, watching the sunset, and talking to pretty girls.
Tony is predeceased by his parents, Richard A. and Mary L. Santia. He is survived by his older siblings, Linda Frost and Richard Santia, his younger sister, Mary, and brother-in-law, Robert Theiss., his niece and nephew, Jenifer and Jeffery Hughes, and many loving cousins.
He will be greatly mourned and missed by all who loved him.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 22nd from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack, NJ 07977. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd , 11am at St. Brigid Church, 129 Main Street, Peapack. Interment will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery, 168 N Sussex St, Dover, NJ 07801.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Matheny School, Matheny Development Department, P.O. Box 339, Peapack, NJ 07977 https://events.matheny.org/donate_2018 in Tony’s memory would be appreciated.
