John L. Santo

On Thursday, December 25th, 2025, our dad, John L. Santo, passed away. Even after his recent cancer diagnosis, the timing was completely unexpected.

We had no idea that we could write our own obituary. Even though it’s been hard to think about his death, and encapsulate his life and what he meant to us into one page, we wanted to share a little bit of his story with you.

As he faced his diagnosis, he spoke candidly about his life. At 85, he felt he had led a long and full life and was comfortable with the inevitability of death. His conviction, clarity, and courage was inspiring, and we’re grateful that he was at peace. That gave us peace, as well.

Dad was born on June 9th, 1940 in the south end of Columbus to the late John & Glena Faye (Shaw) Santo. He was the second child out of four, and was the only boy to three sisters; Nancy, Carol, and Dianna. Often, when we would meet folks around the lake, so many of them were either from the south end, or they knew somebody from the south end.

He served in the Army National Guard, so honoring those who also served was a priority throughout his lifetime. He was a proud member of Amvets, Moose Lodge, and actively supported veterans. He held several different odd jobs as a soda jerk, shoe shine man, and eventually landed at A.E. Cole Die & Engraving as a Tool & Die Maker for 50 years. We were fascinated by the everyday items he cast, like the Indian head emblem on Jeep Cherokees. We also liked to watch him work ;)

Dad had many hobbies, he rarely sat still! His obsession with golf began at Broadview in Pataskala. He was also an avid bowler participating in leagues with friends, and my brother, Shaun; we recall some spirited games amongst family after a big Thanksgiving meal at our grandparent’s house. Dad loved to cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes and boy, could he cut a rug! We marveled at how he could slide across our grandparent’s basement floor like James Brown. And, we often bragged about his ability to do back flips in the backyard! Later in life, he and his special friend, Sandy, danced the night away while exploring local wineries.

But, it was his love of cars that exceeded them all. He souped-up a bright red older model Ford Ranger with dual exhaust, big wheel wells, and tires. We definitely got some attention AND racing challenges when we went for a ride. Dad restored -- and showed -- two other cars to mint condition: a creamy colored 1939 Plymouth with a brown pinstripe, and a 1932 Ford hot rod that he painted black; it was stunning. His garage was FULL of awards for the cars.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Dianna (Santo) & Danny Hearl, and brother-in-law, Kenny Stover.

He is dearly missed by his children, Mindy (Rusty Russell) Santo & Shaun (Mechelle) Santo, his sisters, Nancy (Kenny) Stover & Carol (George) Poppy, as well as his niece, Andrea Goings, and nephew, Gregg (Denise) Hearl, his special friend, Sandy Davis, and many other family members and dear friends that are family, classic car enthusiasts, golfophiles, and bowling buddies.

In honor of our dad -- or as my brother used to say when we spoke, “my dad” ;) -- go for a ride in or on your favorite set of wheels and let the wind blow through your hair! Dad, we love you.

Come join us to raise a toast to our dad, John L. Santo, Saturday, May 16th at 3:00PM at the Amvets Post 51 in Thornville, OH. You’ll need a member to escort & sign you in, so please text one of our family members, or Mindy 205-516-8545 or Shaun 740-973-7871. We'll come get you.