Joseph R. Santry

Joseph R. Santry, 91, of Marblehead passed away February 15, 2012, with his family at his side. He was the husband of the late Janet {Brown} Santry, with whom he enjoyed 47 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2000. He is survived by his daughter Janet Houser, and her husband Scott, his daughter Betsy Hancock, and her husband Don, and four grandchildren: Scott and Katie Houser, and Eliza and Will Hancock, all of Marblehead. Joe is also survived by his sister, Margaret Santry of New York, NY, his cousin Louise Emmet of California, his dear friend and brother-in-law, Stephen J. Connolly III of Marblehead, and a large loving group of nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his brother, Arthur J. Santry, Jr. and his sister Suzanne S. Connolly.


Born in Boston in 1920, to the late Arthur J. Santry and Suzanne Cawley Santry, he was raised in Brookline and spent his summers in Marblehead. Joe was educated at The Park School, Newton Country Day School, and graduated from Williams College, class of 1942. He joined the Army Air Corps, and served in the 8th Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant, navigating B-24 bombers during WWII. He flew over 35 missions, based in Norwich, England, earning the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He began his professional career with Bird Machine Company, later joining Combustion Engineering, Inc. as their New England District Manager, a position that he held until his retirement in 1983. During his career, he worked closely with the paper and power industries.


A year-round resident of Marblehead for more than 55 years, Joe had many interests, but his real passion centered around the sea. He was a life long sailor, with decades of ocean racing and cruising experience, starting as a child in Brutal Beasts, moving on to Q-boats, and then to a variety of one-design and cruising yachts, where he often served as navigator. Everything to do with marine weather fascinated him: the tide, current, wind, and weather systems. Joe was also a fan of all of Boston's professional teams, of his alma mater, Williams College.
"Pop" was a frequent spectator at his grandchildren's athletic events. He cherished his family, his many friendships, and his beloved Marblehead. Joe was a member of the Eastern Yacht Club, and Tedesco Country Club. In his later years, he enjoyed his membership in the Marblehead Luncheon Club, aka the ROMEO's, and was a devoted regular of the daily lunch crowd at the Driftwood Restaurant.


Visiting hours will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Joe's family requests that memorial donations be made to Marblehead's junior yacht club, Pleon Yacht Club, 42 Foster Street, P.O. Box 160, Marblehead, MA 01945. For online guest book or additional information, please call 781 631 8885 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com.