Gerald “Jerry” Santini

Date of Death: April 7, 2025

Gerald “Jerry” Santini, beloved father and friend, died on April 7, 2025, in Newark, Delaware due to complications of colon cancer. He was 77.

Jerry grew up in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, graduating from Henninger High School in 1965. As a running back on the Henninger varsity football team, he discovered a lifelong passion for the game. He also distinguished himself academically, being selected to participate in the American Legion Boys’ State program. Raised by determined Italian immigrants, Leo (d. 1978) and Angie (d. 2004), Jerry and his brother, Leo, were the first generation of their family to attend college.

Jerry went on to play football for the University of Pennsylvania Quakers, setting a school and conference record by rushing for 880 yards in 1968. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and was a distinguished military graduate of the Army ROTC program, receiving his commission as a captain in the U.S. Army.

Following his military service, Jerry earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and pursued a career in finance with Pfizer, Doubleday, and Union Camp. In 1978, he relocated his family to Wilmington, Delaware, where he continued his career as an analyst for private investment firms.

Deeply loyal, at times irascible, Jerry delighted those around him with his playful gift for rhyme — leaving a legacy of hand-made cards and memories of spontaneous songs penned around the table over Thanksgivings in Syracuse.

He had the good fortune to play the game he loved with some of the best friends he would know in life. In his later years, his greatest pleasures were college football, a beer at sunset, and a spirited exchange over world events — always with a generous heaping of certitude.

Jerry leaves behind his two children, Laura and David; his grandson, Nathaniel; son-in-law Peter; his long time friend Sharon; his older brother Leo; and many friends and neighbors. We love you Dad, and we will all miss you… Now run to daylight.

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Gerald “Jerry” Santini, beloved father and friend, died on April 7, 2025, in Newark, Delaware due to complications of colon cancer. He was 77. Jerry grew up in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, graduating from Henninger High School in 1965. As a running back on the Henninger varsity football team, he discovered a lifelong passionContinue Reading

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A tough runner on our Penn football team, and a tougher guy. He broke both hands and didn’t miss a play in ’67 as a blocking fullback. In much pain,. Jerry sought relief from an herbalist and a faith healer in his hometown of Syracuse. Tough as nails on the gridiron, but a kind and thoughtful college friend off the field. I love the way his son concluded his obit… “Run to daylight.” You don’t have to round up much his record-breaking 880-yard season our senior year to give him 100 yds a game . RIP my friend. I'll always remember you.

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