Salvatore Nicola De Santis

Salvatore “Sam” Nicola De Santis, 88, returned peacefully to his heavenly home on October 12, 2017 at his La Junta home. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God, and love for his family supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Salvatore was born to the late Feliciano and Agata De Santis, in Cansano, Italy on October 8, 1929. Feliciano and Agata were farmers raising animals and crops, later Feliciano came to Gallup, New Mexico working as a coal miner, with the goal to bring the rest of the family to join him in living the American Dream. He was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. In 1945, Salvatore joined his dad in Gallup, New Mexico in the Gamerico Coal Mine. Salvatore also worked in the Frederick Coal Mine in Valdez, Colorado. After his time as a coal miner, he worked at the American Beauty Spaghetti in Denver, Colorado, Thornton Water Works in Thornton, Colorado, and Wozniak Oil in Trinidad, Colorado.

Salvatore was blessed with a loving family, who he dedicated his life to. He married the love of his life, and best friend, Bonnie Wozniak- De Santis, on September 24, 1955 in Raton, New Mexico. Salvatore instilled: patience, discipline, humility, and appreciation of culture into his family. From the very beginning, he always put family first, always making an effort to make time with his granddaughter, Elizabeth, special and memorable.

Salvatore loved nature, animals, cooking, and sharing life stories with his family and friends. He was kind generous soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem no matter how small. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who continue to live by honoring his life in all they do. Salvatore supported and encouraged his family to follow their dreams and make sure goals were reached.

Salvatore is survived by his daughter, Samlie De Santis of La Junta, Colorado; granddaughter, Elizabeth Manfredi and Joshua Wimer of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Ida (Rolando) DiPalo of Perth, Australia; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Bonnie De Santis; son, Felix William De Santis; sister and brother-in-law, Anna and John Chioda; sister and brother-in-law, Angela and Rovildo De Santis; mother and father-in law, Myrtle and William Wozniak; brother and sister-in-law, Billie and Dominic Blasi.

As per Salvatore’s request cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held to honor his life on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 2305 Raton Ave, La Junta, Colorado.

There will be a reception to follow. Family is also available for visitation Samlie (daughter) at 2110 San Juan Avenue in La Junta, Colorado, and Elizabeth (granddaughter) at 1114 Tesla Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The family would like to thank Arkansas Valley Hospice for the support and care given during these final days.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.