Regina Maria Santella, 89, a lifelong resident of New Canaan, peacefully passed away on September 6, 2024.
Regina Maria Santella
Regina was born on November 25, 1934 to the late Emma and Liberato Luciano. She was predeceased by her doting husband, Peter Santella, and her beautiful daughter, Cynthia Ann Mahoney.
Regina attended Center School, Saxe Junior High School, and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1952 where she excelled as a cheerleader and softball player. On April 7, 1956, Regina married the love of her life, Peter M. Santella. They enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage before Peter’s passing. Together they were devout parishioners of St. Aloysius church where they were married and remained active members throughout their lives.
Regina’s family was her top priority. She was deeply involved in her children’s school activities attending many soccer, field hockey, football, and baseball games. She loved hosting the end of the year pool parties at their home. Regina was the Vice President of the PTA, Chairman of the School Library Volunteers, and Coordinator of Volunteers at Saxe Jr. High School. Stratton Mountain was a beloved family retreat where Regina enjoyed preparing for the weekly ski trips. She loved cooking her famous chicken tetrazzini and old fashioned lasagna for dinners after long days on the slopes. Evenings often included a fun, but competitive game of penny poker!
Regina enjoyed tennis year-round and was a competitive player with friends at Mead Park, Country Club of Darien and various indoor venues. She also learned to play golf to spend more time with Peter. In addition, Regina was a member of the New Canaan Woman’s Club where she was recognized for her 45 years of her continuous, dedicated service.
In 1976 Regina became a licensed Realtor in New Canaan where she enjoyed a long and successful career. She offered a high quality of service that was punctuated by her integrity, dependability, and in-depth knowledge of the area. Her contributions to the profession included being a member of the New Canaan Board of Realtors, Connecticut Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors Women’s Council. She served on the William Raveis Advisory Board and won awards for Top Selling Broker and Excellence in Customer Service. She earned the respect of the community and the nickname “Real Estate Reg”!!!!
Along with Peter, the owner of Santella Electric, they became an influential and positive force in New Canaan. Their commitment to family and faith was a guiding principle in their lives and they instilled these values in their children. Regina’s legacy is one of love, dedication and unwavering commitment to her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all.
Regina is survived by her son, Peter Santella, Jr., and her daughter, Sharon Browne and their spouses Marisa and Jeremy. Additionally, Regina is survived by her four grandchildren, Kristin Hvlaka, Katelyn Roske, Mike Santella, and John McVey, and her five great grandchildren, Wesley, Charlie, Ava, Magnus, and Jones.
The Santella Family will receive friends at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 2-5 pm. The funeral mass will be at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 10:00 am. The burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
Please join the family in celebrating Regina’s life following the burial at the Roger Sherman Inn.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Regina’s memory to the Waveny Lifecare Network Alzheimer’s Program. For online condolences and directions please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.
My heart goes out to the entire Santella family. Reggie was a force of nature and always carried her bright smile into any room she entered. Together with her husband Peter, they were a great couple who captured the essence of a true NewCanaanite…… actively involved in town, always with a huge heart looking out for those around them. RIP Reggie.