Gene Santoro

Gene Santoro, 75, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. Born on September 5, 1950, in Middletown, Ohio, he was the beloved son of Frank and Eleanore Santoro.

Gene earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He devoted many years to healthcare administration, serving as a hospital administrator at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, Florida, and as Marketing Director at St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Later in life he pursued another passion, working as a General Contractor and building homes and medical offices. His remarkable ability to fix or build almost anything was admired by all who knew him.

He shared a deep love for travel with his wife, Mary, and together they recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring partnership. Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Santoro; his daughter Jennifer Wright and her husband Eric; his daughter Jessica Friia and her husband Keith; and his son Zachary Santoro and his husband Brian Hershock. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Hannah Wright (Anthony Russo), Kyle Wright, and Olivia Wright (Toby Pedreira), as well as his treasured great-grandson, Bodhi Pedreira. Gene is also survived by his sister, Christine Grimes, along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, his beloved aunt Jeanne Berry, and many extended family members and friends.

Gene was known for his kindness, humility, and generous spirit. He would help anyone in need without hesitation. Thoughtful and empathetic, he possessed a gentle nature and a heart that touched everyone around him. Intelligent and wise, he was the person family and friends turned to for advice or help solving problems. A wonderful storyteller with an infectious laugh, Gene brought joy to those around him. His warmth, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed, and the love he shared and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.