Deacon Santo Nastasi, 84, of Clarksboro, a retired deacon of the Diocese of Camden, died March 7.
He was ordained to the diaconate in 1980 and served at Holy Name of Jesus in Mullica Hill (which later became The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit), before retiring in 2014. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Born in Paulsboro to Giuseppe and Angeline Nastasi (Giordano), he met his wife, Judy, in high school; they married in 1961. He worked as a top process operator at Shell Chemical/Huntsman, and led a life dedicated to his faith and family.
“He was a beautiful, faith-filled man,” said Deacon Joseph Garozzo, a friend for more than 20 years. The two met when Deacon Nastasi led a Cursillo retreat weekend.
“The way he presented himself, and his deep commitment to the Church and its people, inspired me in my own vocation,” said Deacon Garozzo, who serves in Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Swedesboro. “I’m going to miss him as a brother in Christ.”
In addition to his wife, Deacon Nastasi is survived by his children: Angela Nastasi-Hodson and husband Peter; Joseph Nastasi and wife Christine; Lisa Anne Nastasi; Stephen Nastasi, and Noel Buchanan (Jason). He is also survived by his 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Nicola. He is predeceased by his parents, and brothers Peter and Mariano Nastasi.
A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on March 12 at The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit Parish Center, 17 Earlington Ave., Mullica Hill. The next day, March 13, visitation will be from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the parish center. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow, with a private burial in the Holy Name of Jesus Church Cemetery.
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