Coal Twp. commissioner dies at 71
COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township lost a friend, public servant and advocate Friday evening when Coal Township Board of Commissioners President Albert Santor died. He was 71.
"He was definitely Coal Township inside and out. He loved the township," said Gene Welsh, vice president of the board of commissioners, Sunday afternoon.
Santor had been fighting illness for an extended period of time and had a heart attack last week while on vacation in Ocean City, Md., said Welsh.
Santor, of 1724 Raven Ave., Coal Township, was serving as the board president at the time of his death. He had been on the board for seven years, and had been elected to a four-year term last year.
Welsh said he knew Santor well and had a close working relationship with him for nearly a decade. He credits Santor with bringing many good things to the township, including memorials and a paving machine.
"He was very professional and caring. On many occasions, he was 'johnny on the spot,' helping people and working things out with people in whatever the situation might be," said Welsh.
Welsh said before Santor became ill, they often went out after commissioner meetings.
"I looked at him as a close friend. He guided me when I decided to (run for commissioner) and gave me pointers," said Welsh.
Commissioner George Zalar echoed Welsh's sentiment, saying Santor had continuously encouraged him during his current campaign for state representative of the 108th district.
"If I had any issue, he always called and gave me support, even when he had his own problems," said Zalar.
Zalar said Santor fought long and hard against his illness. He was a man who, when he wanted something done, pursued hard.
"I feel very sad for the Santor family," he said.
Zalar said his relationship was usually reserved for the working environment, but he was also able to sit and socialize with him on occasion.
"He's going to be deeply missed by family and friends and Coal Township as a whole," he said.
50 years of service
In addition to his role as Coal Township commissioner, Santor had served the public for nearly 50 years. He had served as Kulpmont Borough treasurer, councilman and president. He was director of the Northumberland County Board of Elections for 32 years.
He served four terms as president of the Shamokin/Coal Township Senior Action Center, was a member of the East End, Main, Forest Hill and Brady fire companies and the Knights of Columbus, where he had served as a grand knight. He had been active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as scoutmaster and brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, among a number of other orginizations.
"He was dedicated to public service - there's no doubt about that," said former Northumberland Commissioner Sam Deitrick, who worked with Santor when he was the board of elections director.
Deitrick described Santor as a "fine employee" who was able to "work the precincts with kindness and personality."
"He was able to put the elections together without any strain on the administration. He was able to work with the people and carry out elections flawlessly," he said.
Deitrick said he liked Santor and he was a good man.
"He was really something special," he said.
The Coal Township Board of Commissioners has ordered the flags at the municipal building to be flown at half staff until after the funeral services.
Efforts to reach Santor's fiance, Stella Morris, Sunday evening were unsuccessful.
See page five for Santor's obituary.
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