Alfred A. Santelli

Alfred Albert Santelli, 78, of Mount Carmel, passed away on March 19, 2025, at the Schuylkill Center, in Pottsville. He was born in Shamokin on November 14, 1946, to Anthony U. and Catherine D. (Tanney) Santelli and grew up in Atlas.

He was a 1965 graduate of Mt. Carmel Area High School and was a proud member of the Mounties marching band, where he was known as “Art.”

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a DC2 aboard the USS Fremont.

Al was an expert welder and worked at various coal mining operations around Mt. Carmel, across Schuylkill County, and the Hazleton area for over 50 years. After retiring from Fabcon in Mahanoy City, Al did jobs for Shustack’s Welding and Hydraulic Hoses of Shenandoah and most recently worked for D. Molesevich and Sons Construction Company in Mt. Carmel.

A talented trumpet player and singer, Al was a member of the Hi-Lites, a local polka band in which he played with his best friend of over 60 years, Greg Pulaski.

Al was a member of a number of Mt. Carmel social organizations, such as the American Hose, Anthracite, and Clover Hose Companies and the Lithuanian Social Club. He served as a member of the honor and color guard for the American Legion in Atlas.

He shared a passion for rescuing and rehabilitating animals with his beloved wife, Diane. He was spontaneous and loved taking day trips to just about anywhere, including the Army/Navy game. He also enjoyed shopping for bargains at flea markets with his brother, Jerry.

Alfred was a devoted father; he taught his daughters at an early age they could do anything they wanted in life if they set their minds to it. He was the best Pap anyone could ever ask for to his grandchildren, Alex, Grace, Zane, Livia, and Madelyn. They were the lights of his life.

In addition to his wife, Diane, he is survived by his daughters, Beth Readler (Dean) of Myrtle Beach, and Amy Santelli of Jonestown; stepdaughter, Carleen Zlockie (Joel) of Mt. Carmel; grandchildren Alex Guenther, Grace Guenther, Zane Zlockie, Livia Zlockie, and Madelyn Wolfgang; brother, Jerry (Linda); niece Kathryn, and nephews Anthony and Brian; brothers-in-law, Todd Owens and Richard Mauray; and sister-in-law, Sandra Strine. He was predeceased by his first wife, Carol, his parents, and a brother, Tony.

Funeral services will be held Monday March 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home 40 South Market Street Mt. Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz, III Supervisor. Rev. Dan Renno will officiate. Interment will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A visitation will be held Monday morning from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home. To offer condolences to Al’s family please visit www.stutzfuneralhome.com