Santo James Cerminaro, of Carbondale, PA, died at his home on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

The love of my life, Mary Ann Katchmore Cerminaro, died in my arms on May 20, 2024. I never stopped crying and missing her every day. I will now be with my love for eternity as we will be in our mausoleum at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery. I will be placed with Mary Ann and we will lay head-to-head as I planned. I will finally be at peace with the love of my life.

Born on January 12, 1946 in Carbondale, he was the seventh child born to Joseph and Antionette Colandro Cerminaro. Santo was educated in Carbondale public schools and attended Penn State Worthington campus where he majored in Architectural Engineering. He worked in the architectural industry from 1965 until his retirement. Santo participated in the design and construction of many of the local schools, churches, and municipal buildings. He loved what he did and everyday he looked forward to starting another project. He started his career with Vincent Russoniello and Leonard Marcelli his mentor. His career was blessed having worked with such great architects, the next being Horace Franco and Joseph Valverde and finally the most talented architect Vincent Riggi. Santo was the principal in the firm of S.G. Mastriani Construction Management and S.J.C. Construction Management until his retirement. Santo was also past president and former chairman of the board of the Carbondale Chapter of UNICO.

Santo is survived by his wonderful family which includes his children: Diane Harrity and Dave, Robert DeGrazia and Jean and Dawn Quinn. His special gift given to him by his daughter, Diane was his first-born grandchild, Daniel Santo DeGrazia. Daniel was born of Feb. 27, 1985 at 12:48 a.m. and was with Mary Ann and Santo daily. Santo was fondly called "Pop" by all his grandchildren which include: Robert's sons: Dr. Robert DeGrazia, Jr., and wife, Dr. Karissa Arthur, Dr. Anthony DeGrazia and wife, Chelsea, and Christopher DeGrazia and wife, Arianna; Dawn's son: Michael Quinn and wife, Katie; and Diane's son: Daniel Santo DeGrazia and wife, Tricia; his great-grandchildren: Nolan and Cooper Quinn, Harrison DeGrazia, Anthony DeGrazia, Sophia Grace DeGrazia and Eliana DeGrazia; one brother: Joseph Cerminaro; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Santo was also preceded in death by his sisters: Carmella Gerchman and Jane Moran; and his brothers: Rosario, Frank, Anthony and James Cerminaro.

I wanted the world to know what a wonderful and full filling life I had with the love of my life, Mary Ann. I always said I was born January 12, 1946 but my life began on June 19, 1974, the day I met Mary Ann. No one could imagine the love and joy that we had with our children: Diane, Bobby and Dawn. It was love at first sight with Mary Ann and our wonderful children.

The years went by so fast but we had such great times as a couple and as a family on our numerous trips to Disney World, Canadian Fishing Trips, and the many long vacations Mary Ann and I had in Las Vegas several times a year. We especially enjoyed our trips with the grandchildren to Circus Circus in Las Vegas and our many New Jersey shore vacations with all the kids to Seaside Heights and Long Beach Island.

I write this obituary so the world knows how much love one could have and I am ever grateful to my children Bobby, Diane and Dawn and grandson, Daniel. Dawn took care of me each and every day calling me, stopping in and taking me out to dinner, as did Bobby, Jean, Daniel and Tricia. Dawn was my loving caregiver, she looked and acted just like Mary Ann, we called her "Mini Mare." This was a great compliment as she cooked like her and kept the house immaculate. When Mary Ann died Dawn tried to take over and give me joy and comfort in my grief. She is such a kind and loving "Mini Mare."

I leave this world with these last words, "I thank you God for such a wonderful life you gave me with Mary Ann and our wonderful children. I am joining my sweetheart and I know she is waiting for me."

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale, PA, celebrated by Rev. Joseph Mosley, senior priest. Entombment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA. A viewing was held at the church from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Pallbearers: Robert DeGrazia, Sr., Dr. Robert DeGrazia, Jr., Dr. Anthony DeGrazia, Christopher DeGrazia, Daniel DeGrazia and Michael Quinn.

Arrangements by Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Carbondale, PA.