John Santoru, 58, a dedicated son, husband, father, and brother passed away February 22, 2026. John was known for his huge heart and ability to light up any room he walked into. Anyone that knew John can tell you just how much he adored his family, friends, dogs and the Miami Dolphins. He was a man deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. He would spend his Sundays at morning mass before going home to root on his beloved Dolphins and finishing his evening with a family dinner, where you could find him talking about life with his family, giving his kids advice and riling up the two dogs. He was an avid advocate of giving back to the community, spending countless hours at charitable events and finding any way he could to help those that needed it the most. He was a man who took it upon himself to do everything he could to make the world a better place. He touched the hearts of a generation of youth baseball players, carrying his impact in the adult lives of many of the players that he both coached, and coached against. He leaves behind a legacy of impacting lives and bettering the lives of the people around him, as well as anyone he could reach.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Smith Santoru; and his children, Zach and Meghan Santoru. He is also survived by his mother, Tata Santoru; sister, Margaret Pellegrino; and brother, Joe Santoru. He also leaves many cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also touching John’s life were his two English bulldogs, Lucy and Ricky, as well as all of his colleagues. John was preceded in his death by his father, Luca Santoru.

A funeral mass will be held March 12, 2026 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in John’s honor to the John Santoru Legacy Fund under the Albuquerque Community Foundation at https://albuquerquecf.fcsuite…. In accordance with the family’s wishes, funds will be distributed to the charitable organizations and initiatives that reflect John’s lifelong commitment to service, philanthropy, and the values he championed through his leadership at HOLMANS USA. 

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