(November 4, 1939 - September 14, 2020)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved brother, uncle and friend. Father Angelo Santa Maria was called home to God on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Algoma Residential Community Hospice in his 81st year.
He was predeceased by his loving parents, Maria (Brescacin) and Roberto Santa Maria. He is the cherished brother of Rita (late Richard) Gorassini, late Guido (late Dolores) Santa Maria and Carlo (Shirley) Santa Maria. He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews and their families whom he deeply loved; Donald (Samantha) Gorassini, Michael (Susan) Santa Maria children Samantha and Amanda, Cathy Santa Maria, Teresa (Ron) Spadoni children Allison and Mark, Robert (Lori) Santa Maria children Carter and Brock, Joseph (Angel) Santa Maria children Jacob and Lindsey and Angelo (Melissa) Santa Maria children Jonah and Jude. He will be lovingly remembered by devoted best friend and companion Iris Hughes. Family was integral to Father Angelo he supported us, loved us and celebrated with us in all aspects of our lives. We shall miss the gift of his presence but know he is rejoicing with his family in Heaven where he is free from illness.
Angelo was born on November 4, 1939. An ardent student, he was educated at St. Joseph Elementary School, Sault Collegiate and completed his studies for the Priesthood at St. Augustine Seminary in Toronto. Angelo was ordained May 25, 1963 at St. Ignatius Parish in Sault Ste. Marie.
Alive with the Spirit of God, The Gospel and Vatican ll, Fr. Ange embraced the values of dialogue, collegiality, and collaboration as he nourished the faith and family life of his parishioners. His warm, welcoming, inclusive spirit, fueled with enthusiasm, joy and his infectious laughter won the hearts and souls of many.
Throughout his priestly ministry, Fr. Ange eagerly dedicated himself to the Sacramental Life of his people. His desire to enrich the spiritual development of people in the Parishes in which he served and bring them closer to Jesus was greatly enhanced through his years of involvement in the Cursillo Movement. In each parish he was devoted to the youth, their needs and growth.
He humbly, compassionately and lovingly served his God and the people of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie.
Blessed were these parishes to have been served by Fr. Ange; Our Lady of Good Counsel Sault Ste. Marie, St. Clement Sudbury, St. Basil White River, Missions of Hawk Junction and Marathon, St. Jerome Sault Ste. Marie, Our Lady of Fatima Elliot Lake, St. Andrew Sudbury.
His heart over flowed with gratitude for the gift of his Priestly Ministry and the opportunity to serve his God and the people of the Sault Diocese. Fr. Ange retired from active ministry in 2004.
Until his death, “Ministry continued to find him….”Deo Gratias!
We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many dedicated persons who supported Father Angelo on his journey home to God – Iris Hughes for her loving care, Father Hamish Currie, The Sisters and Associates of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Area Hospital Cancer Clinic, Dr. Shehata & Staff, Group Health Anticoagulation Clinic Staff, ARCH Hospice Staff and Volunteers, Dr. Sharon Buehner and Dr. Karen Booth, Bay Shore Nurses, NELHIN Staff, and Faithful Friends. Each of you blessed Father Angelo with the work of your hands and hearts through your compassion, loving kindness, professional care and prayerful commitment.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Hamish Currie, at St. Veronica’s Parish on Friday September 18, 2020. A recording of this service will be made available at a later date. Interment in the Priest’s Plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to ARCH Hospice, SAH Cancer Clinic or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522). Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.