Anthony “Tony” Santos, affectionately known as “Grandpa Toad” or “No-ny,” of Long Valley, New Jersey, passed away at the age of 83 on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at home after a courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Despite the fact that he was born and raised in Boston, over his 44 years as a NJ resident, he became a diehard Yankees fan.
Tony served in the United States Airforce from 1954 to 1958 as a Master Sergeant before being honorably discharged. For 33 years he was a corporate pilot for Allied Chemical/Signal and Honeywell where he traveled the world. For five years after his 1995 retirement he flew many interesting famous people and sports teams.
His passions were flying planes, going on road trips, jamming to rock and roll music, acquiring the latest technology, and eating an entire can of whip cream in one sitting – without sharing. Above all else he cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren – always going to great lengths for their safety and their happiness. He always told loved ones, “You’re the best!” but they knew HE was the best.
Tony was the oldest of five children. He was predeceased by his parents Anthony Charles Santos, Jr. and Rita Patricia Frost; his sister, Rita and brother, Fred.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Lydiarina (Baker) of Middletown, PA; his five children and their spouses: Michael Santos and his wife Robyn of Hackettstown, NJ, Donald Santos and his wife Mary of Scottsville, VA, Julie Smith and her husband Edwin of Long Valley, Lynette Renda and her husband John of Toms River, NJ, Nina Dorlon and her husband Kevin of Long Valley; 14 grandchildren: Nicole, Owen, Matthew, Mackenzie, Mary Rose, Conner, Thomas, Alexis, Pamela, Alaina, Grace, Kevin, Nathaniel, Ryder; as well as six great-grandchildren; Sienna, Tristan, Gabriel, Damien, Calais and Leia. Tony Santos was the patriarch of an exceptional and loving family.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountain Roman Catholic Church, 2 E. Springtown Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853 with the interment to follow at Good Shepherd RC Cemetery, Airport Road, Green Township, N.J. 07821.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Condolences:
Cathy Tooke Renn
#10
February 20th, 2019 10:22 am
Mike and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of you and your family from my high school Long Valley days.
Love,
Cathy
Jan & Chris Linne
#9
January 16th, 2019 12:14 pm
Ronnie and family,
We're very sorry to hear that Tony passed and we send our deepest condolences.
The Linne Family
Tony and Sylvia Esquibel
#8
January 11th, 2019 12:43 pm
Ronnie and family, Sorry to hear of Tony's passing. May God's presence comfort you and your family.His peace restore you and your family and his promise of eternal life sustain you and your family during this time of loss. Tony will always be remembered in our hearts the great memories we shared. WE will miss him.Our prayers to you and your family..God Bless Love Sylvia and Tony Esquibel
Tim Canny
#7
January 10th, 2019 9:25 pm
I think I remember Tony from Laredo AFB in 1958 R.I.P. my brother
Julien & Carolyn Marse
#6
January 10th, 2019 8:44 pm
To Ronnie and the Santos family, our hearts are so heavy with the loss of our dear friend Tony. May God walk with all of you as you go through this very sad time in your lives. You will be able to hold close to your hearts all the great memories you all shared with Tony.
Holly Falzarano
#5
January 10th, 2019 6:27 pm
He is a legacy... that’s all. My heart is breaking
Lorraine And George Moran
#4
January 9th, 2019 8:11 pm
So very to hear of your loss. This is truly an example of a man who left a rich and wonderful legacy. Our prayers are with you all.
Joe Gombocz
#3
January 8th, 2019 12:05 pm
Ronnie Santos, and the entire Santos family. My heart is breaking for your unimaginable loss of such a great man. A devoted husband, a caring father, and a loving grandfather/great grandfather. Tony did it all, he covered all the bases. Family always came first.
Tony and I met about 15 years ago thanks to the little PT cruiser. Our unlikely friendship was launched. I couldn't believe that such a worldly and knowledgeable man had time for me. Our friendship grew, and grew, and after years Tony would always tell me that he considered me family. I in return began calling him "Papa Santos". We would talk for hours on the phone while sharing life and or a Yankee game, many times until 1 or 2 in the morning. Tony was so proud of his family, and would always give me the update on what everyone was doing. Oh, how he loved you all. Being able to go to the wedding 2 weeks ago was so very special to him. As he spent a lot of time in his room, he told me how everyone would come upstairs to visit him. You made him so very happy. He was so good also about listening to my stories of my life.
I will miss Tony every single day of my life, he was truly my closest, and dearest friend, just one of a kind, and will always be in my thoughts, my memories, and my heart.
Rest in peace "Papa Santos". I loved you my friend.
Joe
Marlyn Nearby
#2
January 7th, 2019 4:59 pm
It has been an honor to get to know Tony , a kind man, through my daughter Robyn. Robyn is his daughter in law who loved Tony like a father not a father in law. My condolences to Ronnie and the entire family
John Kucharski
#1
January 7th, 2019 2:42 pm
I meet Tony through the PT Owners Club. We hit it off right away seeing that my PT Cruiser has the markings of the Flying Tigers (A.V.G.) and I too am an Air Force veteran.
Because I live on the West coast, I only got to spend time with him when I returned to visit family on the East coast.
He always made you feel welcome. He invited me into their home without even knowing my last name as we found out when his children ask him my name. We all got a good laugh out of that! He was that kind of guy.
You are one of a kind my friend and I am very glad I meet you. You will always be remembered.
My condolences to Ronnie and his entire family,
John K
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