Dennis J. Santos

Dennis J. (Joaquin) Santos, age 67, of Swansea, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. He was the beloved husband of Joyce A. (Sherman) Santos to whom he was married for 19 years.

Born in Providence, he was the son of Manuel and Louise (Joaquin) Santos of 64 Water Street, Rehoboth.  At the age of 21, he became the stepson of George Faria of Bristol, RI, when his widowed mother remarried in 1975.

Growing up, he loved to bike to the Shad Factory Reservoir and locally with his friend Mike Tracy.  On the weekends, they went to the Seekonk Speedway. He was tickled to receive speedway passes from Mrs. Irene Vendetti, speedway owner, when he helped deliver her large grocery order on Saturdays with his sister Kathy. Along with his brother Mannie, he was a big fan of Rehoboth’s Bugsy Stevens.

Dennis worked as a meat cutter and supervisor at Almacs for several years until its’ closure.   He worked at Stop & Shop as a Meat Department Manager for over 30 years.  He learned his trade from his father and brothers at Santos Market of Rehoboth. 

Recently retired, Dennis enjoyed sailing, golf, gardening, and vacationing at his cabin in Maine.  He was happiest surrounded by his wife, children, family, friends, his brown lab and his chickens. Dennis shared his deep love of music with everyone; Cat Stevens, James Taylor and Lauren Daigle were among his favorites. In his truck, he would sing to the “oldies” on 98.7 FM. He will always be remembered for his love of sports (Go Giants!), his infectious laughter, tight hugs and generous heart.  Dennis’ greatest pride and joy were his children, Ryan, Courtney and Missy, and granddaughter Jasmyn. He was the very best Dad in the world!

Besides his wife, Dennis is survived by two children, Ryan Santos of Swansea and Courtney Louise Kollet and her husband Steven of Bristol, RI; one stepdaughter, Melissa Pelicas; one granddaughter, Jasmyn Pelicas; two sisters, Anne Canuel and Kathleen Tietze and her husband Richard, all of Somerset, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dennis was the brother of the late Eugene and Manuel Santos III.

A "Celebration of Life" Memorial Service was held at Calvary Temple in Fall River on February 26th.  It was a time to be together in loving remembrance of Dennis and to share our memories. He will be missed.           

You are invited to send a donation in memory of Dennis Santos to The Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity, 43 Broad Street Rehoboth, MA 02769. (Every August, Dennis loved volunteering to cut meat for the Holy Ghost Feast.)

To share a memory or to offer a condolence, visit: Waring Sullivan Birchcrest Funeral and Cremation Service