Ernest John Santo, 88, of Crisfield and formerly of Marmet, WV, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, June 18, 2016.

Born in Eunice, WV on October 17, 1927, he was a son of the late Frank and Roza Szilagyi Santo.

Ernest was an Army Veteran stationed in Trieste, Italy just after WWII. It was there that he met his wife, Odila. After his service, Ernest was employed by a coal mining company in Eunice, WV. During his time in the mines, Ernest survived a mine collapse where he sustained significant injury and was paralyzed. After the accident, he went on to repair watches, clocks, and other small machinery where his attention to detail, organization, and patience was well suited. Ernest loved spending time and laughing with his family, tinkering in his tool shed, and playing cards with his wife and lifelong companion, Odila.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Roza Santo; and his siblings, Frank Santo, Jr., Margaret Santo Howell, Elmer Santo and Albert Santo.

Ernest is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Odila Vrabez Santo of Crisfield; one daughter, Sonja Santo Paul and her husband Jack of Marion Station; two grandchildren, Alyson Paul Staniewski and her husband Stephen of Towson, MD and Travis Paul and his wife Noelle of Crisfield; a great-granddaughter, Presley Kate Paul of Crisfield; his sister, Elizabeth Harris and her husband Richard of Cleveland, OH; along with many nieces and nephews.

Ernest will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at the Paul family home in Marion Station, MD from 3pm to 8pm. Friends and family of Ernest are welcome to visit during this time to share their memories of this wonderful man.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com