Philip

Santoro

Philip Santoro, age 84, of North Riverside. Beloved husband of Joanne Sandra (nee Curcione) Santoro. Loving father of Philip (Rosemary) Santoro, Jeanine (Theodore) Watylyk and Jennifer (Eric) Podgorski. Proud grandfather of Kristen (Daniel) O’Leary, Gina (Colin) Fagan, Grace and Gabriella Watylyk, and Colin Philip and Ethan Podgorski. Great-grandpa of Lyndon Philip and Eloise Ruth. Dear brother of Serafina (the late Antonio) Bellini, Vito (the late Marion) Santoro, Antoinette (the late Dominick) Caragiulo, and Anthony (Joanne) Santoro, the late Joseph (the late Christine) Santoro, the late Frank (the late Shelva) Santoro and the late Patricia (the late Jim) Isaacs. Devoted son of the late Giuseppe and the late Rosa (nee Sausca) Santoro. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Phil Santoro was gifted with an optimistic nature, great work ethic, and ability to see the good in others. These traits served him well as he immigrated to the US from Mola di Bari, Italy in 1955 at age thirteen and began to embrace the land of opportunity. He took an early interest in cars and, at age 19, became a mechanic and co-owner of a service station in Chicago, growing a loyal customer base for 26 years. For his next business adventure, he opened Main Street Car Wash in Lombard, where he spent 15 years living up to one of his nicknames, “Mr. Clean.” He offered kindness and fair, honest service to all his customers, including the students on the school bus which he drove for 12 years in Cicero. He was also a proud member of the St. Paul VI Holy Name Society.

When he wasn’t working, Phil could be found towing the family RV on camping trips, tending to vegetables in his garden, perfecting his homemade pizza for his grandchildren, or mastering the quick step and cha-cha with Joanne, his devoted wife of 63 years. Phil and Joanne also enjoyed traveling, cooking and attending plays together. Later in life Phil enjoyed watching John Wayne in western and war movies. Above all, he loved having his family members around him to “savor the flavor” of all that life had to offer.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on Friday November 13, 2026 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm. All are asked to meet Saturday at Mater Christi Church, 2401 S. 10th Ave., North Riverside for an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Funeral info at 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L