Daniel W. Santos III
Waterford — Daniel Wilson Santos III of Waterford, passed away unexpectedly, after a short illness Feb. 10, 2023, at the age of 57. He was born Sept. 17, 1965, in Toms River, N.J., to Daniel and Judith (Arneth) Santos.
He attended kindergarten and first grade at St. Denis in Manasquan, N.J. He attended grades 2 through 5 at Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in New London and finished the remainder of his education in the Waterford Public Schools system, attending Southwest Elementary School, Clark Lane Junior High School, and Waterford High School. He graduated in 1983 after a very successful running career for the Lancers. He was selected to the Connecticut All-State Indoor and Outdoor Track teams as well as the Cross Country team. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology/construction. On Oct. 28, 1989, he married his high school sweetheart, Traci Giusti, and they recently celebrated their 33rd anniversary.
While attending college, he worked part-time at Giusti & Renshaw Construction. He then went on to establish companies Danrich Oil and Giusti & Santos Construction along with his father-in-law, Dick Giusti, and brother-in-law, Rich Giusti. He was employed with the Waterford Public Schools as the district plumber from 2007 until his passing.
Dan always believed in giving back to his community. He volunteered for many years as a baseball coach for the Waterford South minor league/ little league and Waterford Babe Ruth. He also served as the field chairman for Waterford Babe Ruth. Dan enjoyed being part of the Waterford Lancer football “Chain Gang” for many years. He was always willing to help anybody with anything they needed.
In addition to his mother and wife, he leaves behind his son Daniel (fiancée Nicole McComic); daughter Alyssa; brothers, John (Leanne) and Jeffrey (Dana) Santos; motherin-law Nancy Giusti; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lori (Jay) Venditti and Richard (Kimberly) Giusti. He also leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews whom he adored, and they adored him right back. He loved his grand pups, Vixey and Moose. Dan was the life of every party and an excellent host welcoming many into his home. He loved to cook for and entertain his friends and family. He was predeceased by his father; his sister Cheryl; and his father-in-law Richard Giusti.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at Saint Paul in Chains Church, 170 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cactus Jack Foundation http://www. cactusjackfoundation.org/ donate.html,Waterford Babe Ruth, or the Hat Fenger Memorial Scholarship at PO Box 66, Waterford, CT 06385.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www. neilanfuneralhome.com.