Nick Anthony Santini

Please join us virtually for the funeral service with be LIVESTREAMED.

Sergeant Major Nick Anthony Santini of Millersville, MD was born in Washington, DC on March 4, 1944 and entered into eternal life on July 30, 2026.

Nick was a proud first generation Italian-American and spent his childhood on Florence Street in DC surrounded by his Italian extended family. His parents moved to Palmer Park where he was the first Junior Volunteer at the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department alongside his father. He attended Bladensburg Senior High School, where he played football and dated Juanita, who was “the cutest Pom Pom girl on the squad.” In June 1962, Nick graduated, enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1962, and married Juanita on October 26, 1963.

Nick was a combat veteran during the Vietnam War and his many health challenges were due to his extensive exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange. Nick and his bride had the opportunity for duty stations across the world, living in Italy, Hawaii, and Panama with their growing family in tow, before settling back home in Maryland. His love for his country resulted in a life of service for a total of 32 years with the Department of the Army (25 years active duty, 7 years as a Dept. of the Army Civilian GS-14).

Nick was very proud of his accomplishments during his career:

- Served in Vietnam 1968-1969, including the TET Offensive

- Served at the highest levels of the Military Intelligence and Special Operations organizations worldwide

- Military Awards: The Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, National Defense Service MedalVietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, 6 Vietnam Campaign Medals, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, 6 Army Commendations Medals, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, 8 Good Conduct Medals, Expert Badge Rifle M16 and .45 caliber pistol.

Nick’s life was anchored by his love of God and strong faith. He found joy in making others smile through simple acts of kindness or words of encouragement, and was fiercely devoted to his family and friends reminding all, “you are worthy.” While serving as a Logistician in Vietnam, he earned the nickname “Happy Provider,” because he always made sure the troops had everything they needed. Throughout his life, he continued helping other veterans and anyone who asked.

He is survived by his “sweetheart” and “Love of his life” of nearly 63 years, Juanita, daughter Amy, sons Vincent (Jaclyn), and Brian, sister Lucia Santini Boone, sister-in-law Wanda Santini, along with many other beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Nicola and Dorothy Santini, brothers Tony and Donald Santini, sister Nancy Santini Harvey, brother-in-law, French Boone, nephews Eric Santini and Troy Boone, among other relatives and friends whom he deeply missed.

Some joys in Nick’s life included traveling to many countries during his Army career and then on cruises with Juanita. He enjoyed family vacations to DE and MD beaches and the Navy Rec Center in Solomons Island, fishing and crabbing, being in his office “command center” on his computer and emailing, celebrating all special occasions, and in recent years attending online Mass daily while lighting candles to pray for the intentions of all those he loved, living and deceased.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Aug. 11th, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Donaldson Funeral Home, 1411 Annapolis Rd. in Odenton, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 12th, at Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church, 1070 Cecil Avenue in Millersville, MD with burial at the church’s cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Truckin4Troops. Write in the notes section “In memory of Nick Santini.”

Please join us virtually for the funeral service with be livestream.