December 29, 1960 – November 6, 2025
Age 64
Visitation:
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Funeral Mass:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
9:45 am
St. Raymond RC Church
263 Atlantic Avenue
East Rockaway, New York
11518
Interment:
Holy Rood Cemetery
111 Old Country Road
Westbury, New York
11590
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt respect that the Village of East Rockaway mourns the passing of Trustee Anthony J. Santino, 64, a dedicated Trustee of our Village Board and former Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. A lifelong public servant, Tony’s distinguished career in government spanned decades and reflected his steadfast commitment to the community that shaped him.
Before being elected the chief executive of America’s largest township, Tony served with distinction as a Town Board Member, later earning recognition as the longest-tenured member of his party to ever hold that office. Known for his diligence, integrity, and both his command of and commitment to good local government, Tony set a standard of service that will endure for generations.
The son of the late John A. and Frances Santino, Tony was proudly educated in East Rockaway’s own schools. A graduate of Centre Avenue School and East Rockaway High School, he remained deeply connected to classmates and lifelong friends from his early days. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from St. John’s University, an achievement that reflected both his intellect and his work ethic.
Tony began his public service career as a staff member for the late Congressman Norman F. Lent, eventually rising to serve as District Director — a role through which he championed the needs of his neighbors on the national stage.
For more than four decades, Tony was a devoted Lector at St. Raymond’s Church, where his voice became a fixture of faith and fellowship. Beyond the Catholic community, he worked tirelessly to strengthen bonds between faiths in our community, fostering unity with local congregations such as the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre and Temple Am-Echad in Lynbrook. He was a proud charter member of the St. Raymond’s Knights of Columbus, an active member of the East Rockaway Kiwanis Club, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Judge Frank A. Gulotta Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and an honorary member of Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Even in the final weeks of the battle with illness, Tony remained deeply engaged in the life of the village – offering thoughtful counsel, measured judgment, and unwavering dedication to his colleagues. His voice, wisdom, and compassion were a source of strength to Mayor Gordon Fox, Deputy Mayor Bruno Romano, and the entire Village Board and staff.
The Village of East Rockaway honors the memory and legacy of the Honorable Anthony J. “Tony” Santino – a loyal son of our community, a devoted public servant, and a cherished friend and neighbor whose legacy of service and love for East Rockaway will never be forgotten.
Our entire family stands in unison feeling grief and deep sorrow. Your love, compass and care will forever be ingrained in all of those you touched. May you rest in peace. Till we meet again
Truly terrible news, Tony was a dear friend and a tremendous Leader, many years and many campaigns, I will miss Tony and his witty humor, may Tony “Rest In Eternal Peace”✝️
He will be missed by all. I loved listening to him talk politics he was so knowledgeable. It was a pleasure working with Tony as he said we spent more time together then with our families running around taking pictures. I'm happy you always told people I was able to make him look good. It was my pleasure. Rest in peace my dear friend....
Tony was a man who extended his hand to let you know he was there for you. I will always remember his phone calls just checking in geri need anything at Hewlett House.RIP my friend
He was an integral part of our community and has been lifted to our lord to soon. May his significant contributions to our communities continue in our memories and with his legacy. Rest in Peace Anthony
To The Santino Family
So sorry for the loss of Anthony
May he rip
He will truly be missed
I met Tony in December of 1984. We became close friends. Tony was a truly good man. It is with great sorrow, Jeanne and I say Goodbye! May The Lord Always Hold Him in The Palm of His Hand
To the Santino Family:
Anthony (or as I always called him, Mr. Santino) was my first boss when I interned for him in high school. I was always in awe of him- I was so touched that a man so smart, dedicated, and caring about his community took interest in me, just a kid who wanted to get involved. He regularly let me sit in his office, explained local issues to me, taught me how to read opinion polls, and made me feel like a part of his team. Working for him instilled a passion for law and politics that I have turned into a career. I will be forever thankful for his guidance, mentorship, and kindness, and please know that he touched my life very deeply and will be missed.
Sending my deepest sympathies to your family.
Tony, you will be missed.
I was impressed with your hard work, integrity, approachability and honesty. I loved working for you in the Town of Hempstead.
My deepest condolences to your family. May you RIP.
What a great guy. Smart, considerate, kind. A real dedicated public servant. He did so much for so many. Bless his soul.