Gilbert Santavenere
1944 - 2025
Gilbert Santavenere, Jr., 81, of Wethersfield, beloved husband for 57 years of Melita (Lewis) Santavenere, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Born in Middletown on September 21, 1944, he was the son of the late Gilbert and Rosina (Cannata) Santavenere. Gilbert graduated from Cromwell High School in 1962 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from St. Anselm College in New Hampshire in 1966.
During the 1970s, he began working with technology systems, developing software for commodity trading and healthcare systems in the tri-state area. In 1980, Gil embarked on a career in information technology for the State of Connecticut, ultimately retiring in 2003 as Director of Data Processing at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Rocky Hill.
Gil was politically active throughout his life and was passionate about gardening and photography. He volunteered with multiple organizations and, most notably, helped boost fundraising efforts at St. Cyril and Methodius Church during the years his sons attended Catholic school.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Gilbert will be forever missed by his loving wife, Melita; three sons, Nicholas Santavenere of Manchester, Phillip Santavenere and wife Cynthia of Glastonbury, and Gilbert “Vincent” Santavenere III and partner Paola of Hartford; and his nine adored grandchildren: Peter, Alexis, Phillip Jr. “PJ”, Steven, LaShaveeya, TaLazhia, Azariah, Chiara, and Luciana.
Gilbert was predeceased by his sister Irene, and brothers Horace and Nicholas. He is survived by his two loving and protective sisters, who affectionately referred to him as their “little brother” throughout the years: Viola Jefferson of Shrewsbury, MA, and Loretta Bernard and her husband William “Bill” Bernard of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends.
Special thanks to all the staff at Saint Francis Hospital. The family would also like to express their gratitude to David, who, for the past 20 years, assisted with home remodeling projects—many of which Gil insisted be completed both before and after his passing. Gil’s “son” Vatsal, a dear colleague, was also entrusted with the important role of being on-call for technological assistance whenever needed.
Gil in Florida, circa 2009