In loving memory of Daniele Andrea Santopadre

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Daniele “Danny” Andrea Santopadre

Daniele Andrea Santopadre, lovingly known as “Danny”, passed away peacefully in Bunnell, Florida, on August 24, 2025, at the age of 78. Danny was born on November 29, 1946, in Paliano, Italy, to Ermenegildo and Ana Maria Lucia Santopadre.

At a young age, Danny was sent to seminary school to pursue a path towards becoming a priest. Thanks to his sense of humor and luckily for his 3 children, the nuns were not too happy with his mischievous pranks and jokes and returned him back to his parents! A few years later, Danny bravely embarked on a new life when he came to the United States at the young age of 18. He learned the language, worked hard, and began building his life and family in New Jersey. In 1980, he again embarked on a bold new adventure and moved to Palm Coast, Florida with his wife and 3 children.

Danny dedicated most of his career to the construction industry, becoming a skilled builder known for his resourcefulness. He was a jack of all trades, and we often called him “MacGyver”. With a knack for fixing just about anything, Danny creatively repurposed old and discarded items, bringing new life to the forgotten.

Danny was a friend to all, cherished for his sense of humor, easy-going demeanor, and positive outlook on life. He had a passion for soccer, enjoyed playing cards and bocce ball, loved riding his motorcycle, and found joy in listening to music. The great outdoors called to him, whether it was walking on the beach, watching the sunrise, or fiddling around in the yard. Most of all, he enjoyed sharing a cold beer with friends while recounting stories.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Annarita Santopadre Hensberger. He is survived by his 3 children Christina (Ray) Hackenburg, Stephen (Geri) Santopadre, Daniela Lee; their mother, Karen Ball; his grandson, Jake; his brother and sister-in-law, Giulio and Anne Santopadre, and many other nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends whom he loved dearly.

Following his wishes, there will not be a service, but well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a beer bottle and drink it in his honor, Salute! Danny was never one for sentiment or religious formalities, but he wanted you to know that if he owes you a beer, and if you can find him in Heaven, he will gladly allow you to buy him another.