Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Pinehurst — Leo Anthony Santowasso was born Aug. 21, 1935 in Rahway NJ, to Anna Marie Radice and Leonardo Carmen Santowasso. Capping a long career of engineering which began in 1957, was his thirty-five year leadership at Heritage Consulting Engineers located in Flemington, NJ. The office, coincidentally, overlooked the 12th hole of an adjacent golf course.

Always a proud New Jersey Native, Leo spent his retirement years in Pinehurst NC, in the home state of his wife, Emily, on the golf course, but also on the project site, at the drawing board and within meeting rooms. A twenty-plus year member of Pinehurst Country Club, easing into retirement for Leo meant initially working at Pinehursts’ National/No. 9 and No. 7 golf courses as a ranger/starter, later taking on more continuous work with McGill and Associates in Pinehurst. He advised many on engineering, historical and community matters via the Pinehurst Planning and Zoning Board and the Pinehurst Historical Commission, by volunteering on the Juniper Creek HOA at Pinehurst No. 6, and chairing the Moore County Board of Health. His retirement home, also coincidentally, was situated on a golf course. Leo was a member and/or fellow of ASEC, ASCE, ITE, NJSME and various other professional engineering organizations. He was a graduate of NC State, with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Transportation, Planning and Traffic Engineering. He was very proud to wear his red Wolfpack shirt, and he had many to alternate in his wardrobe. Leo was also proud of his service in the US Army where he trained as a Combat Engineer.

Father to three with his wife of 66 years on August 31, 2023, Emily Eastwood Santowasso (nee Francis), he leaves behind his daughter Miriam Elizabeth Cash (nee Santowasso) spouse, Joseph A Cash, Jr.; Leo Michael Santowasso, spouse, Mary Rebecca (nee Sillmon); and William David Bruce Santowasso along with seven grandchildren. Leo is survived by his only sibling, Elizabeth Anne Braucht (Santowasso) of Neptune City, NJ.

Leo worked until shortly before he was afflicted by a devastating illness in early July, which he valiantly fought with acceptance and compassion for those who now had to care for his every need. As much as we hated to learn this lesson, he taught us all so much in his last six weeks of life; and for that we are forever grateful.

Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.