NORWICH – Theresa A. Santullo, 96, formerly of Peacock Park Apts., Norwich, passed away early Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2009, in the New York State Veterans’ Home of Oxford, where she had resided since 2006.
The daughter ofAlberico and Lucy Bernardo Frisco, Theresa was born in Naples, Italy, in June of 1913. When she was 9 months old, she and her family moved to New York City where she grew up, graduating from the Roosevelt High School and the Drake Business School in Manhattan. Theresa’s family owned Prisco Brothers, manufacturers of mannequins and clothing, which was located in the garment district in Manhattan, and Theresa’s first employment was with the company as a milliner, designing and making hats. During World War II, she helped pack parachutes, and following the end of the war, she was employed by County Trust Bank in Larchmont. On May 5, 1945, in Yonkers, Theresa married Ralph Santullo. The Santullo family moved in 1973 to McDonough, where Theresa became actively involved with volunteering in various civic organizations in the area. Following Ralph’s passing on Aug. 18, 1980, Theresa remained in McDonough until 1981 when she moved to Norwich. During her years in Norwich, she again became an active volunteer, especially for Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Pink Door.
Theresa is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ralph and Christine Santullo of McDonough, plus nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband Ralph, she was predeceased by her sister and brother, Clara Prisco and Anthony Prisco.
Memorial services for Theresa will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Norwich. Interment will be in Union Cemetery of McDonough, at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.