Grantham, N.H. —
Charlie was born Jan. 27, 1952, to Nicholas and Elizabeth, “Betty” (Clyatt) Santora. Charlie grew up in Yonkers, and briefly Mahopac, N.Y. Following graduation from Roosevelt High School, he pursued his true life passion of music.
Charlie was an accomplished drummer and early in his career, he played with many influential musicians such as Luther Allison, Lou Reed, Patty LaBelle, and Iggy Pop to name a few.
In 2003, he married the love of his life, Karen (Duley) Santora. Together they shared a love of animals and had numerous “fur babies,” JJ, Maya, Lilly, Sammy and Max, who already deeply miss him.
Charlie was a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) and worked in health care for several years. He had a passion for working on cars and could fix almost anything.
He was employed at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge.
He is predeceased by his mother, Betty Santora. He was completely devoted to his family.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Karen Santora; father, Nicholas Santora; sister, Kathryn Santora Knoll; stepdaughter, Nicole Williams; stepson, Adam Williams; niece, Jennifer Knoll; and nephews, Gene R. Knoll and Nicholas Knoll.
Services for Charlie will be announced at a later date.
Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guestbook by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Rte 10, Enfield, NH 03748.