Racine- Santo Alfred Totero, 89, affectionately known to everyone as “Sam”, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.
A lifetime resident, Sam was born in Racine on November 1, 1921 to the late Achille and Mary (nee: Gaudio) Totero. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1939. Sam proudly told others that he furthered his education at “Totero University” through the family tavern and restaurant business, Totero’s.
He faithfully served our Country with the United States Army from 1943 until 1946. On August 28, 1948 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sam was united in marriage with the love of his life, Virginia Lucille (nee: Casciaro) Totero, who preceded him in death on January 31, 1995. After being discharged from the Army, Sam returned to Racine where he continued his lifelong career at Totero’s, working side by side with his parents, wife, and eventually – his children.
He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. Sam had also been a member of Roma Lodge, American Legion and the Tavern League of Wisconsin. A man who loved to socialize and a friend to many, Sam was great at telling stories and jokes. He also was an avid sport fan, enjoyed reading, and solving crossword puzzles. Above all, Sam treasured and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adoringly called Sam – “Nanu”.
Surviving are his children, Angela Marie Totero, Gloria (Cletus) George, and Albert (Colleen) Totero; grandchildren, Abby and Anne Totero, Luke Pavilonis and David (Amy) George; grandson-in-law, Chris Witkowski; great-grandchildren, Sam (named after his great-grandfather) Witkowski and Avery Elizabeth George; brother, Robert (Fern) Totero; sisters-in-law, Mary Casciaro and Elvie Totero; brother-in-law, Angelo (Nancy) Casciaro; many other special relatives, friends and customers too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to his parents and wife, Sam was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Witkowski; sister, Carm (Alfred) Christiano; brothers, Joseph and Anthony (Antoinette) Totero; brother-in-law, Frank Casciaro; and sister-in-law, Caroline (Michael) Domanik-Gordon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 6:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery – Kinzie Avenue. Visitation will be in St. Lucy Church on Monday from 3-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Diabetes Association or to the Liz George-Witkowski Memorial Scholarship Fund have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the staff of 2C Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints for the compassionate care and support during the past few weeks. May God bless all of you!
Jim and Jeri Slinger says
Santo will always hold a special place in our hearts as do all the family members. We pray for your peace and extend our greatest love to all of you.
Chris Witkowski says
“Chief” I’m going to miss having our eating contests during the holidays. You were a GREAT person, and an even better friend. I know you’re looking down smiling. You will be missed greatly.
Love Chris and Sam
Kate and Brad Loman says
Glor, Clete, and Family, Our words can not express our thoughts at this time of your sadness. That's why it is so important that your memories of Sam help comfort you. Love and memories never leave us. Love Always, Kate and Brad Loman
Nancy & Charles Kuhn says
Gloria and family, What a wonderful man your father was. When we used to go to Totero's for dinner, he would come sit down and visit. We so enjoyed his visits and the GOOD FOOD. You had a great father, Gloria, and our prayers are with you.
Dan and Fern Buchler says
We are so deeply saddended to hear the news of our very dear friend Sam. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Totero family. We love you all and wish that we could be with you now. We will miss Sam very much.
Deborah and Rudolph Coca says
To Al, Angie and family, Our sincere condolences to your family. Your father kept on working until the end. What a humerous and hard worker he was. Sincerely, Deb and Rudy
Cathy Witkowski says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am blessed to have known Santo, he will always be remembered for his commitment to family. Cathy
Patti Weske-Zeitler says
Anonymous says
Our condolences to the Totero/George Family. I loved Santo’s stories, his open expression of love for the love of his life “Virginia”, his devotion to his family and friends. I will surely miss my kiss on his cheek everytime I saw him. I smile just thinking about him. Santo you will be truly missed.
Love Patti
Jim & Cathy says
We’re gonna miss him but his legacy lives on at ‘Totero’s’. I’m sure he and Virginia are having a toast with George and Ruth.