Obituary of Eileen M. Santaniello

"You can always tell where a beautiful soul has been by the tears and the smiles left behind."

Eileen Marie Santaniello, a remarkable woman of unwavering strength, faith, and love, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on May 4, 2025. Born into a bustling household as one of eight children, Eileen grew up quickly, stepping into a caretaker’s role at a young age after losing her parents. She became a steady and guiding presence for her siblings.

Her journey led her to Joseph, the love of her life. Their story began when they met as members of a friend’s wedding party. Sometime later they connected, and their path together was set. Joe asked for her number, and their beautiful courtship began. They married on November 3, 1985 and soon built a family of their own, settling in Parsippany.

Eileen was a devoted mother who poured her heart into both her family and her profession. She earned her degree as a Physician Assistant and devoted her career to pediatrics — a field where her nurturing spirit, gentle patience, and deep compassion touched countless families. Her work was more than a job; it was a calling, and one she fulfilled with grace for decades.

Outside of work, Eileen was always on the go and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished yearly family vacations to Long Beach Island, where she loved to stroll the beach and ride bicycles with her sisters and dearest friends. She was an avid walker, hiker, kayaker, and gardener, always at peace in the great outdoors. She also loved to host gatherings, large and small, of family and friends, and never wanted the party to end!

Over these past twenty one months, Eileen showed extraordinary courage as she faced illness with fierce determination and deep faith. Her resilience was a source of strength and inspiration to everyone who knew her. Above all, Eileen’s heart belonged to her family. She was thrilled to see all three of her sons marry and was absolutely overjoyed to become a grandmother to two precious granddaughters. Being their “Gram” was her greatest joy.

Though we are heartbroken, we will forever carry her with us — in every sunset, and in every wave upon the shore.

She leaves beautiful memories to her husband Joe of 39 years; her sons David (Maddie), Michael (Jessica) and Daniel (Caitlin); her granddaughters Ella Marie and Nora Theresa; her siblings Kathlyn Brown (Richard), Kerry Richardson (Kathy), Maureen Haaland, Dennis Richardson (Kathy), Tricia Zuber (Brian), Susan Richardson, and Nancy Jackson (Matt); her sister-inlaw Lynne Santaniello (Jonathan Nutt); brother-in-law Dan Santaniello (Deborah); and so many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Her parents, David and Amelia, and her brother-in-law, John Blake, passed before her. 

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday May 7, 2025 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the funeral home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday,May 8th at 10:30 am at St. Peter the Apostle Church, Parsippany.  *Eileen's Mass will be LIVESTREAMED and available by clicking here*. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. 

Donations in her memory may be made to the good of Memorial Sloan Kettering or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.