Nicholas Santa Maria

BENSON — Nicholas Santa Maria, 89, died February 5, 2012 in Addison surrounded by his family.

Born February 26, 1922, in Conway, N.H., he was the son of Angelina (Fumagalli) and Nicholas Santa Maria.

In 1941, Nicholas graduated high school. In 1943, he entered the service and served on the USS Ronquil submarine.

He married Shirley Whiting on January 21, 1950 in Madison, N.H. Later, he attended RPI and worked for General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., for 32 years. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Benson, VT, where he enjoyed woodcarving, painting, gardening, and fishing with his son, Ric.

Nicholas is survived by his son, Ricardo Santa Maria, and his wife, Martha, of Addison, VT; daughter, Lisa Santa Maria, and her husband, James Ronnau, of Overland Park, KS; five grandchildren, Nicole (Santa Maria) Boghosian, Chad Santa Maria, Jena Santa Maria, Dominick Santa Maria, Patrick Ronnau, and two great- grandchildren, Abigail Boghosian and Lukasz Santa Maria. He is also survived by one brother, Angelo Santa Maria of New Hampshire; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend and neighbor, Sue Gilmore. His wife, Shirley, a sister, Liberty Santa Maria, and two brothers, Louis and Rebeldi Santa Maria, predeceased him.

The family wishes to thank all of Nick’s friends and neighbors in the Benson community for their ongoing support.

Memorial services will be private and are planned for this summer in Madison, N.H.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Benson at Stage Road, Benson, VT 05731.

May he rest in peace.