Thomas E. "Tom" Santilli

August 27, 1958 ~ February 03, 2026 (age 67)

Thomas E. Santilli, known affectionately as Tom to his friends and family, passed away with his family by his side, on February 3, 2026, at the age of 67, in Mishawaka, IN. Born on August 27, 1958, in South Bend, IN, Tom was a beloved husband, father, poppy, and friend whose warmth and passion for life touched all who knew him.

Tom’s journey began as the son of the late Eugene and Rosa "Bunny" (Sarvis) Santilli and unfolded into a tale of love, music, and family. His enduring romance with Cindy (Geraghty) Santilli, his wife, whom he spent 43 years with, blossomed from their marriage at St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka, IN, on May 15, 1982. Together, they built a foundation of love that grew with the arrival of their children: Michelle (Tom) Davis, Angela Knight, Kristin (Cory) Malcom, and Tony (Jessi) Santilli. Tom's legacy further flourished with the joy of his grandchildren: Tate, Jenna, Tyler, Chase, Chelsea, Anna, Bob, Clara, Zayn, Reagan, Avary, Blake, Norah, Leo, and Milo, and he eagerly anticipated the arrival of Baby Davis.

A proud alumnus of South Bend Riley High School, class of 1977, Tom dedicated over 40 years to Stanz Food Services as a Warehouse Manager. His commitment and work ethic were only matched by his devotion to his family and his passions.

Tom’s adoration of music was a defining trait of his vibrant soul. He mastered the guitar and accordion, playing with the same enthusiasm from his youth through his final years. There was no summer day too warm nor patio too crowded for him to enjoy the strumming of a band while sipping a cold beer. His zest for life encompassed beloved family road trips to anywhere, but he really enjoyed going to the Smokey Mountains and Myrtle Beach, creating cherished memories with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Ice cream was among Tom's simple pleasures, a treat often shared with his grandchildren to get a scoop or two. In his early years, Sundays brought him to Bonnie Doon’s, where he could indulge in some ice cream and take in the sight of all the classic cars.

Tom will be missed greatly but his memory will live on every time his family takes a road trip, stops for ice cream, or goes through the car wash. We hope all who read this find an opportunity to crack open a cold beer on a warm summer day in memory of our dad.

A time to visit with the family will be on Monday, February 16th, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A rosary recital and a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 3 p.m. All being held at Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main St. Mishawaka, IN 46545. Father David Langford will be presiding.

Memorial contributions may be donated in Tom’s name to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

Services

Visitation

Monday
February 16, 2026
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home - Bubb Chapel
3910 N. Main Street
Mishawaka, IN 46545

Service

Monday
February 16, 2026
3:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home - Bubb Chapel
3910 N. Main Street
Mishawaka, IN 46545

Burial at a later date
St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park
375 W. Cleveland Road
Granger, IN 46530

Donations

St. Jude Children's Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Web: http://www.stjude.org/donate

Added 02/06/2026 0928 GMS

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/ThomasE-Santilli