Obituary of Marina Santamaria

Marina Santamaria (née Martelli) Marina Santamaria (née Martelli), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on September 17, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Speranza and Alfio Martelli, Marina lived a life centered on faith, family, love, and devotion to those around her. She shared 69 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Anthony Santamaria II, building a family that became her greatest joy and legacy. Marina is survived by her husband, Anthony Santamaria II; her son, Anthony Santamaria III, and his wife, Coleen; and her daughter, Susan Dilts (née Santamaria), and her husband, Charles. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Anthony Santamaria IV, Grace Delperdang (née Santamaria), Sharon Schwartz (née Dilts), and Kathryn Dilts. Marina was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: great-granddaughters Gwyneth, Lillian, and Isla Santamaria, daughters of Anthony Santamaria IV and his wife, Kristin; and great-grandsons Ethan and Luke Delperdang, sons of Grace Delperdang and her husband, Brady. She is further survived by her grandson-in-law, Jason Schwartz, husband of Sharon Schwartz. Marina's greatest happiness came from the love of her family and the many memories they shared together across four generations. Her kindness, strength, wisdom, and unwavering love will be remembered always by those fortunate enough to know her. Family members will remember her quick wit, sharp mind, and the joy she found in spending time with those she loved most. She never missed a birthday and always made life's milestones feel special, often celebrating with a delicious Entenmann's cake. She was an active member of Our Lady of Mercy Church, where she once served as president of the Rosary Society, the Golden Age Club, and the Neighborhood Civic Association. Through Our Lady of Mercy, she also served as the church’s first school librarian and a den mother. Always sharp as a tack, she loved challenging her mind with puzzles and card games and rarely missed a nightly episode of Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Her family finds comfort in knowing that her love, faith, and traditions will continue to live on through the generations she cherished so deeply.