DeSANTO Biase “Bill”, age 85 of Broomall passed peacefully of natural causes on Monday, February 17, 2014 surrounded by his wife Rita, of 65 years, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill was born in Philadelphia on February 3, 1929. A product of the great depression, Bill’s work ethic and family values were the cornerstone of four generations. Bill was the proud father of 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with another on the way. He grew up in South Philadelphia and was a high school track star at Southern High. In 1948, he wed the love of his life, Rita Mandarano of Manayunk and settled in Southwest Philadelphia where they raised their family. In 1972, they moved to Broomall where Bill would become a prominent local political figure devoting his life to Marple Township. He was named “Republican of the Year” in 1981. As a resident of Marple Township for over 40 years, Mr. DeSanto served the township as a committee man, on the Planning Commission, on the Parks and Recreation Board and lastly as a Commissioner of Marple Township, also serving as Vice President of the Board. Although he had a long list of accomplishments, including the establishment of numerous little league fields while serving the Township, he was instrumental in the creation of Veterans Memorial Park and his tireless work on the Blue Route project resulted in not one, but three interchanges which no other township can boast. Mr. DeSanto is also credited with having the word “Broomall” placed on the sign at Exit 9 on the Blue Route. Bill was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 542) for over 60 years and also worked for the Delaware County Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Weights and Measures retiring in 1990. Bill was active in his community and was a long-standing member of St. Pius X Church where he served as usher. He helped the former pastor, Father James Kelly get the clean fill for the parking lot next to the church. He was known as a “sharp” dresser and enjoyed antique cars, playing cards, bowling and dancing with the love of his life, his wife, Rita. He was predeceased by his daughter Tina Louise. He is survived by his beloved wife Rita T. (nee Mandarano), his loving children Blaise (Roseann), Elena Miller (Robert), Michael (Kathrin), Joseph (Monica) and Maria Cuozzo (Michael), his grandchildren Blaise (Tracy), Nicholas (Dina), Jesse (Miranda), Michael, Mark, Joseph and Christina DeSanto, Rita DeSurra (Andrew), Robin Rinaldi (Michael), Christiana, Gina and Jacalyn Cuozzo, his 15 great grandchildren and his sister Marge De Rose. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Fri. Evening 7-9 P.M. and Sat. Morning 9-9:45 A.M. at the D’ANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME OF BROOMALL, 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008. Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M. St. Pius X Church. Interment Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or to the Abramson Cancer Center 3535 Market St. Suite 750 Philadelphia, PA 19104 would be appreciated.
Jeannine Cogliano
