Rev. Michael C. Santoro

Rev Michael C. Santoro, 63, Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and Saint John the Baptist Church, Jersey City, entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 1, 2017.  Fr. Michael was a graduate of Seton Hall University and Immaculate Conception Seminary. 

Fr. Michael was ordained on May 31, 1980 and was assigned Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Cedar Grove.  He later was assigned Parochial Vicar of St. Matthew Church in Ridgefield, St. Bernard Church in Plainfield and then St. Valentine Church in Bloomfield.  Fr. Michael was assigned Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Jersey City in 2000 and in 2007 was given the extra responsibility of serving as Pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Jersey City.

Fr. Michael was the beloved son of Carolyn (nee Santomauro) and the late John Santoro; Loving brother of Joseph Santoro & wife Jeanne, Debra Pepe & husband Anthony, John Santoro & wife Roberta, James Santoro & wife Ivette; Cherished uncle of Eva, Jason, Nicole, Vincent and Nicole; Adored great-uncle of Hannah and Wendy.

Fr. Pedro Repollet, Parochial Vicar with Fr. Michael said "Fr. Michael, was a great priest who loved the people of God and the parishes he served.  A very humble priest that was always willing to help others and serve them with love. Father Michael was a brilliant person who helped many people during his priesthood, his patience and serenity captivated me and many other people around him. I will miss dining with him so much since he was a great cook! Rest in Peace my dear brother in the priesthood of Christ!"

Reception of the body will commence on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 2:00pm at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 99 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Visiting at the church will be from 2:00pm to 9:00pm and an Evening Prayer will begin at 7:30pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 11:00am.  A visitation will take place prior to the Mass from 9:30am to 10:45am.  Internment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Several Sources Shelters, P.O. Box 157, Ramsey, NJ 07446 (www.severalsources.org).  Arrangements are entrusted to Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company in Jersey City and letters of condolence may be posted at www.riottofh.com