Vincent Joseph "Jim" Santilli Obituary (1929 - 2018)

Vincent Joseph Santilli ("Jim"), age 89 of Corning, NY passed away after an extended illness on March 15, 2018 at Corning Hospital. Jim was born in Corning, NY, on January 12, 1929 to Bice (Fasoli) Santilli and Crescenzo Santilli. Jim studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Catholic University in 1952. He received his Masters of Science Degree in Material Science from the State University at Buffalo in 1970. Jim's mathematical mind and passion for learning led him to a successful 36 year career as a Senior Chemical Engineer at Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Imaging & Sensing Technical Corporation, where he achieved 5 patents: Vacuum Interrupter with Vapor Shield, Electrical Contacts, Bimetallic Arc Shield, Image Tube, and Gateable Electron Image Intensifier. Jim continued to study Advanced Mathematics, Radiation, and X-Ray Spectrometry through specialized courses at Cornell University. Jim co-authored a number of publications on photo-electronic imaging devices and camera tubes from 1971-1978. Jim's other activities included volunteering with the American Chemical Society, the Radiological Health and Chemical Hazard Society and teaching pre-Calculus and Trigonometry part-time at Elmira College. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1954 - 1962 and was stationed in Germany after the Korean War where his duties included mapping and intelligence. Jim received a Good Conduct Medal and German Occupation Medal in 2009 for his service. Jim's life was enriched through a variety of hobbies: he was a talented artist in drawing, painting, and marquetry; he loved plants and gardening; and he enjoyed sharing his love of learning with his children and grandchildren through the study of science, mathematics, and Catholicism. Jim was a caring husband to his wife, Lois Curtin, whom he married on May 7, 1960. Together, Jim and Lois were loving parents to Kathleen (Michael) Rossettie, Gregory Santilli, James (Julie) Santilli, and Brian (Theresa) Santilli. Lois predeceased Jim on February 9, 1980. Jim married Cathy Horton on January 7, 1984 who has been his loving and loyal spouse for these past 34 years as well as a devoted caretaker during his recent illness. Jim was also a dedicated brother to his three sisters, Antoinette (Remo) Sorge, who predeceased him, Anne Santilli, and Mary (Robert) Tommasi. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren Michaela (Bulezim) Azemi, Brianna (Gabriel) Kosowitz, Amelia Rossettie, Brian (Sara) Mucino, Catherine Santilli, Patrick Santilli, Caroline Santilli, Liam Santilli, Ella Santilli, Quinn Santilli, and great grandchildren Ava Mucino, Briella Mucino and Adrian Azemi. Jim is also survived by several adoring nieces and nephews. Jim will be remembered for his passion for science and art, his natural gift for teaching, and his kind and nurturing soul. Memorial donations may be given to All Saints Parish at http://www.allsaintsparish.org/ . Calling hours will be held Monday March 19, 2018 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc. 216 E. 1st St., Corning, NY 14830. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 155 State St., Corning, NY 14830 on Tuesday March 20, 2018 at 10:00am. The burial with full military honors will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Park Avenue, Corning, immediately following the funeral. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jim's life at a luncheon at the Corning Country Club, 2501 Country Club Drive, Corning, NY 14830 at 12:00pm. Kind words or fond memories of Jim can be shared at www.haugheyfuneralhome.com.