Obituary of Edmond Angelo De Santis

Edmond Angelo De Santis, age 84, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson. Mr. De Santis was born July 22, 1927 in Paterson, the son of the late Angelo and the late Assunta (Susie) (Allard) De Santis. He lived in Wayne. Mr. De Santis served his country in two branches of the Armed Forces, the US Army in World War II and the Navy during the Korean Conflict. In the Army, he was a member of the Psychiatric and Diagnostic teams for the Mental Hygiene and Consultation Service providing care for personnel and their families. Edmond received his undergraduate degree in Social Studies and Counseling from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY in 1950. He earned his graduate degree in Public Administration at New York University in 1967 and continued his studies towards a doctorate there. During his long public career as a social services administrator Edmond was President the County Welfare Directors Association of New Jersey and served on the governing bodies of numerous civic, social service and educational organizations. Edmond cared deeply about his employees, seeing them as an extension of his family. He believed that understanding of and compassion for the plight of other human beings was the mark of a truly civilized person. Mr. De Santis retired as the Director of the Passaic County Board of Social Services, where he had a career that spanned 42 years. As the agency's chief executive officer, he was responsible for its daily operations, administrating a budget of $53 million and directing a staff of over 500 professional, supervisory, and support employees. The programs encompassed services for families, the aged, the disabled and the needy population of Passaic County. Mr. De Santis will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Suzanna Buriani-De Santis and his loving family and friends. Visiting hours will be Monday from 4-8 PM at Our Lady of Consolation R.C. Church, 1799 Hamburg Tpke., Wayne, NJ. The funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Consolation R.C. Church and will be celebrated by Fr. Michael D. Lombardo. Entombment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation for a future Scholarship Fund to be set up in Edmond's memory to Suzanna Buriani-DeSantis c/o Moore's Home For Funerals, 1591 Alps Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470-3641.