- Date Of Birth: October 1, 1928
- Date Of Death: July 25, 2019
- State: New York
Santo R. Lagano, NY on October 1, 1928 Departed on July 25, 2019 and resided in West Harrison, Santo (“Sam”) Rocco Lagano passed away peacefully in his home at 90 years old in West Harrison, New York on July 25th, 2019. Santo is survived by his son Stephen and his wife Laura and their three children, Victoria, Isabella and Zachary. He is predeceased by his wife Antoinette and their eldest son Daniel. He was born in Port Chester, NY on October 1st, 1928. From 1950-1952 he served in the military during the Korean War. On May 9th, 1954 he married his beautiful and loving wife, Antoinette. They had their first child, Daniel, in January of 1956 and their second son, Stephen, in May of 1958. They started their life as a family in West Harrison, NY and then moved to Hyde Park where they lived for 23 years only to return to West Harrison.
Santo received his bachelor’s degree in 1950 from the American Institute of Banking and his master’s degree in 1970 from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. He was humble and hardworking; his educational success was an amazing feat for a first-generation Italian American born in the United States. Santo’s work ethic and diligence made him into a strong role model for his two sons, family, and friends. He was loved by so many friends of his sons and Grandchildren for his loving disposition and kind words. People of all ages respected and enjoyed their conversations and time spent with him. Close friends would even say they too loved him as a father. The love and support he gave to people will always be cherished.
He had a distinguished career in the banking industry. He was a government bank examiner (his favorite job) and had an impressive career at Marine Midland bank (now HSBC). He worked his way up, starting as a messenger, then teller, and through other positions to ultimately end his career as Senior Vice President for the bank on Wall Street. His moral fabric, attentiveness to detail and care for people were recognized early and an underlying trait to his success. Santo enjoyed spending his time volunteering and helping others. A great leader, he used his skills acquired through his career to help others as much as possible.
He was a volunteer on corporate boards from serving as chairmen/executive board member to help multiple organizations like United Way, Poughkeepsie’s St. Francis Hospital (now MidHudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center), Rotary Club, etc. to establish and sustain themselves. For over 30 years Santo was an active parishioner at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in West Harrison. He prioritized and was extremely passionate about his involvement with the parish. He always volunteered at the church’s annual St. Anthony Fiesta and advised the church both financially and operationally for many years. His generosity, understanding, compassion and love for his family will last forever as an example for all to live by. It was beautiful to see those who he helped be there for him to find peace.
In his own quiet way Sam will be missed and remembered by his family and friends for his strength in the face of adversity, losing a wife and son, and being there for those that needed him. Sam took solace in helping people and was always there as a strong supporter and caregiver.
