Obituary: S. George Santa
Stephen George Santa, one of four brothers who led his family’s company, Santa Energy in Bridgeport, Conn., died on Aug. 16. He was 91.
Santa Energy recorded growth over a span of 30 years under Santa’s leadership. After his active daily career, he became chairman of the board, then finished out his nearly 80 years with the family firm as director emeritus.
He graduated Stratford High School 1946 where he was a member of the football team and class president. He served two tours of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also played semi-professional football for the Stratford Rockets.
Born in Bridgeport on Feb. 28, 1928, he was the son of Stephen John and Madelyn Farley Santa, of Stratford. In addition to Barbara Tracy Santa, his beloved wife of 66 years, he is survived by his four children, Stephen Tracy; Georgianne Sheehy; Rosalyn Porter; and Edward; two brothers, Donald and John, sister Stephanie De Forest, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Norman Santa.
His business career led him to involvement with professional and civic organizations in the Bridgeport community and beyond. He was president of the board of directors of the Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association from 1966-68 and 1971-74, as well as the New England Fuel Institute, Bridgeport Area Foundation, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, United Way of Eastern Fairfield County, Bridgeport Rotary Club, and Knights of Columbus; he was also a member of the Algonquin Club and the Brooklawn Country Club.
Santa was appointed to the Connecticut Clean Air Task Force which developed the state’s Clean Air Program. He was honored as Connecticut Oilman of the Year in 1970 and inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. He was a trustee of the University of Bridgeport. During his years in the Barnum Festival Organization he was chosen Ringmaster in 1977. He supported the Cardinal Shehan Center and its work in the Bridgeport community, and was a founding member of St. Lawrence Church where he was trustee emeritus.
The family would prefer memorial contributions to either: The Stephen J. and Madelyn M. Santa Environmental Fund c/o Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854, or the Cardinal Shehan Center, 1494 Main St., Bridgeport CT 06604.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 22 at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Huntington, with Father Michael Jones officiating. Following a mass he will be buried with full military honors at Lawn Cemetery. His calling hours will be private. The family extends its heartfelt thanks for the loving care George received from the nurses, aides, social work and staff at Lord Chamberlain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
The family would prefer memorial contributions to either: The Stephen J. and Madelyn M. Santa Environmental Fund c/o Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854, or the Cardinal Shehan Center, 1494 Main St., Bridgeport CT 06604. For travel directions or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com