John Howard Santangelo, age 78, of Patterson, New Jersey and Grandville, Michigan passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, on Friday, May 28, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Antoinette Hoffman. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Beatrice; children, Renee (Evan) Hordyk, Jennifer (Dan) Rus, Timothy (Kelli) Santangelo; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Katelyn, Lucas, Simon, and Henry; and many dear friends. John entered the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged to care for his ailing mother. He met Beatrice, his best friend and wife, at a local gas station where he attended to her car. He worked many years as a custodian for Eastern Christian Schools, Preakness CRC in New Jersey, Comstock Park Christian Reformed Church, and Grandville Calvin Christian Schools. His contagious smile and laugh will remain embedded in our memory. John was a gregarious, fun-loving man who had a love for animals as well as people. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 7730 Eastern Ave. SE, with Pastor Bob Boersma officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, June 2, from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and on Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to SarahCare, Hospice of Michigan, or Faith Hospice.

The service will be livestreamed and can viewed via this link: https://youtu.be/SCUcsg0gPhg