Obituary: John Thomas (Machant) Santos

(From Roberts-Mitchell Funeral Home)

John Thomas (Marchant) Santos, of Norfolk, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the Norwood Hospital surrounded by his family. He was 11.

Born in Framingham, he was the beloved son of Karen J. Marchant and John “Jay” Santos both of Norfolk and attended the Freeman Kennedy School in Norfolk with the fifth grade class.

Most recently, John earned his yellow belt in Karate with Masters Martial Arts in only six weeks. He enjoyed this time with his teacher James. John was also a dedicated and proud member of the NMM Vikings No. 71, for three years and was an active participant and volunteer at Viking events.

John also enjoyed basketball, riding his bike, fishing, playing cards and spending time doing all types of activities with his expansive family. John discovered a new passion in Vermont learning to ski and snowboard, and loved his time in the mountains.

He was a beloved neighbor and friend and greatly enjoyed playing with the many friends in the neighborhood and beyond. Johnny was the light in everyone’s heart and was an exceptional conversationalist by nature. His purpose in life was to unite those around him in the love that he felt for every individual and creature that he came in contact with. A selfless guardian to anyone in need always there to comfort, uplift, humor and honor those around him.

Johnny was not only loved by all those he touched, he is eternally remembered for his quiet strength, his humor and his compassion and true passion for life. Johnny was dubbed “SUPA” when born in 2002 by his father and many friends and family warmly regarded him as “Johnny SUPA”. Johnny was baptized at the St. Thomas Church in Millis. He enjoyed 11 years of love, family, friends and fun. He continues to be the light in all of our hearts and will live on in this way eternally.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Jeffrey Suerethm formally of Watertown who now lives in VT and Jason Santos of Plainville; sisters Alicia Santos of Foxborough, Jackie Santos of Franklin, Amanda Santos of Uxbridge, Heather Santos of Northbridge, and Faith Coppinger of Lowell.

He is also survived by his paternal grandmother Jacqueline Millis of Franklin, and maternal grandparents Thomas Marchant of Sherman, ME, formally of Medfield and Watertown, and Michael and Susan Petrowsky of Burlington, and maternal great-grandmother Viola Grenier, aunts Sara, Lisa, Margaret and godmother Mary. uncles Michael, Robert Jr., Richard, Ronald and Donald. He is also dearly missed by his great-uncles David, Paul, John and George and great-aunts Ann, Anne, Gail and Janet.

Johnny was the loving and adored uncle of Jordane, Tyler, Daniel, Anthony, Brandon, Claire, Jonathan, Skyler, Jenna and Logan.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Johnny’s life will be held Monday, April 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 82 Exchange Street, Millis. Burial will follow at Vine Lake Cemetery, Medfield.

Relatives and friends may visit with his family at the Roberts-Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Miller St., Medfield on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Marchant Santos Memorial Fund, Middlesex Bank, 36-A Milliston Rd., Millis, MA 02054.