On August 23, 1982 a wonderful baby boy was born to parents Enrico and Carla (Sgro) Santamaria. He was loved instantly. He was named Anthony Joseph— Anthony after his maternal grandfather (Antonio Sgro, d.1967) and Joseph after his paternal grandfather (Giuseppe Santamaria, d.1992). Those who knew him best called him AJ. His siblings affectionately called him by his nicknames Age and Itchy.
The first time his Nonno Beppi saw him, he tearfully and enthusiastically referred to Anthony as “the King!”... and that he became — our king, our strength, our future.
At first, AJ was a difficult child, but as soon as his siblings Alicia, Corey (Melanie), and Kayla (Ryan) Roy arrived, he quickly assumed the role as older brother. They all adored Itchy, always calling on him for advice or help or just to joke around or spend time together on weekends. Their fondest memories include making PB balls in the mud as kids, travelling with the family to British Columbia to visit Nonna and Nonno, go carting during their more-recent sibling trip to Ottawa, and most-recently cruising while sharing laughs in AJ’s boat on the lake. Anthony was so fun, kind, generous, and compassionate with his siblings; they all admired and looked up to the wonderful person he had become.
Anthony went to French immersion school at Bertha Shaw Public School from JK–grade 6 then on to Golden Avenue Public School for grades 7&8 and then to Roland Michener Secondary School. He loved his school years, always on the honour roll and involved in school sports, activities, and functions. Through those years, AJ made many important, lasting friendships, which are still so strong to this day.
Anthony always loved and participated in many extracurricular sports. His greatest love was hockey, starting as an “Ankle-biter” in Whitney, then on to “Peewee” in Schumacher, “Midget” in Timmins, and finally an Eski in Iroquois Falls. Until recently, AJ still enjoyed playing hockey on the Old Timer’s League at the Barn as well as playing Kidd Operation’s weekly pick-up hockey. He formed friendships with so many great, fun-loving buddies along the way and those times spent in arenas ended up being a really impactful part of AJ’s life, and ours.
After high school, Anthony attended Western University where he obtained his business degree. He started his professional career with a local accounting firm and within a short period of time landed his dream job at Glencore, Kidd Operations where he completed courses and received his certification with Certified Management Accountants of Canada. During his 16-year tenure at Kidd Operations, he was ultimately promoted to Business Analyst within their Finance and Procurement department. He always loved his job and his colleagues and even had the special opportunity of working with his wife Tracy everyday for the past six years. Anthony always said “he would stay [at Kidd] ‘til the end”. He wanted to be there to close the mine but always hoped it would never close. At work, he was Treasurer of the Recreational Committee and enjoyed organizing social activities for the staff such as the yearly golf tournaments, curling tournaments, skating parties, weekly family swim days at the Sportsplex, as well as many others.
Anthony was his dad’s shadow and by default, he learned how to use a hammer and measuring tape at an early age. After university, AJ started buying older homes, fixing them up to rent or to flip. He was a hard-working and talented handyman.
He then met the love of his life Tracy (Ward) and they married in 2012. Over the years, they enjoyed travelling to many different countries, experiencing the world together. In 2016, they had their beautiful daughter Esme Carli who quickly became Anthony’s world. As a family, they enjoyed boat rides, fishing, spending time outdoors, watching Esme play hockey, and spending time at their chalet skiing at Mount Jamieson Resort. AJ, Tracy, and Esme recently returned from a family vacation in Disneyland where they created lasting memories that will be cherished forever. Anthony and Tracy purchased their dream home on a lake which was Anthony’s oasis. AJ often said that he had everything he ever wanted. His life was so full of happiness and love.
Anthony passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024 after a very sudden and brief battle with sepsis. Our world has been shattered; we know of no greater pain.
Along with his immediate family, this huge loss is also felt by his favourite moose-hunting partner, his father-in-law Dan Ward and also by his mother-in-law Lise Ward, who always called him her son. His sister-in-law Terry-Ann Smith and his three uncles Frank (Louise) Sgro, Ralph (Susan) Sgro, and Sam (Inie) Sgro are devastated. He will be greatly missed by his beloved Godparents, Uncle Brian and Aunt Charlene Pontello. He was such a loving uncle to Dani and Alex Smith, Felix and Leo Santamaria, and Rhett and Reese Roy. Anthony will also be greatly missed by his many caring cousins, friends, as well as Tracy’s extended family.
His grandparents Giuseppe and Stella Santamaria and Rose and Paul Bogyis had unconditional love for Anthony. In their eyes, he could do no wrong. To Nonna Stella, the sun rose and set on Anthony, and the feeling was mutual. Anthony was our King, our strength, our future.
We are so appreciative of all the words of support, gifts, and food we all have been receiving from friends and family.
The family will receive friends and family on Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 1:00-3:30pm followed by a memorial service at 4:00pm at the Miron-Wilson Funeral Home (150 Balsam St. S., Timmins). A celebration of life will take place same-day beginning at 5:00pm at the Porcupine Dante Club (162 Cedar St. S., Timmins).
In lieu of flowers, a trust fund for Anthony’s daughter Esme has been organized. A contribution can be sent via e-transfer to esme_santamaria@outlook.com or cash/cheques can also be provided to Miron-Wilson Funeral Home.
