Robert J. DeSanto

NEW SALEM- Robert J. DeSanto, 84, of Daniel Shays Highway, died on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner.

Born on February 16, 1936 in Clyde, New York, he was the son of Octave and Sophie (DeFrank) DeSanto and grew up In New York.

On January 5, 1955, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on December 18, 1958.

On July 13, 2011, he married Patricia (Dunshee) whom he had known for many years and they enjoy their time together.

Robert belong to Local 98 as a heavy equipment operator and he worked on many projects including at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and in the City of Springfield.

An avid gardener, Robert tended to his large garden to have plenty of vegetables. He also enjoyed taking care of his yard as well as hunting and fishing.

Robert leaves his loving wife, Patricia DeSanto, of New Salem; a son, Kevin Cromwell of Monroe, MI; a step daughter, Debbie Howard of Maine; a grandson, Steve.

He also leaves his siblings, Dolores Attenboro and her husband, George, of Shortsville, New York, James DiSanto and his wife, Lucy, and Fred DiSanto and his wife, Dorothy, all of Savannah, New York; several nephews and nieces; his mother in law, Phyllis Bowker and her husband, Douglas, of Athol; brother in law Bill Dunshee of Athol; and sisters in law, Marlene Gravalleseof Leominster, Wini Tamillo of Athol, and Beverlee Gren of Hendersonville, TN.

There are no calling hours.

Funeral services and interment in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon will be private.

Donations in Robert’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02454.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

You may  offer your sympathy online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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