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GIRARD - Gerald "Jerry" Robert Santagata, 83, of Girard, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Hospice House in Poland.
He was born on Aug. 14, 1943, in Youngstown, a son of the beloved late John and Rose Marinelli Santagata.
Jerry built a meaningful career in education and devoted many years to helping young people. He served as a math teacher at Niles High School for 10 years, followed by 20 years as an Occupational Work Experience (O.W.E.) Coordinator. He influenced the lives of many of his students and always enjoyed hearing from them after he retired. His work reflected his commitment to students and to the value of learning, guidance, and practical preparation for life.
He pursued his own education with the same dedication he brought to his profession, earning a Bachelor of Education from Youngstown State University and a Master of Arts in Education from Westminster College.
He was also a member of St. Rose Church and the DARE social group.
Outside of his professional life, Jerry embraced a wide range of interests that brought him enjoyment and connection with others. He was an avid golfer throughout his life and played in the Senior League at The Mahoning Country Club. He also enjoyed bowling, playing pool and racing his race cars. He was a skilled, self-taught mechanic, and there wasn't a car he couldn't fix. He loved traveling around the world and especially treasured fishing trips to Canada with his friends. Woodworking was another lasting passion, and he took pride in making furniture and toys for his family. He was also a devoted lifelong fan of Cleveland Browns football and Cleveland Indians baseball.
Jerry was proud of his Italian American heritage and had a positive outlook on life. He loved to joke around and was a constant source of laughter to those around him.
Jerry will be remembered with love by his significant partner, Dianne Minneman; his daughters, Deborah (Craig) Hoberman and Laura (Brian) Santagata; his grandchildren, Abigail (Alan) Hoberman, Zachariah (Vosh) Hoberman, Jacob Hoberman, Cole Santagata and Luke Santagata; and his great-grandchildren, Bloom and Hayes Hoberman. He also leaves behind many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Along with his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his cherished brother, John Santagata, and by his loving wife of 41 years, Mary Wright Santagata.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard. A short funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. at the funeral home.
Jerry will be laid to rest at Howland Community Cemetery in a private service for immediate family only.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Healthy Hearts and Paws Project or Animal Charity of Ohio in Jerry’s memory.
Visit Blackstone Funeral Home to view this obituary and send expressions of sympathy to the family.
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