Obituary of Santos Charles Cancilla

Santos (Sal) Charles Cancilla, 87, of Ladson, SC, formerly of San Jose, CA passed away in his home on August 3, 2012 with his beloved wife, Marie by his side. Sal was born on March 27, 1925 in San Jose, CA. He was the fourth child of Sicilian immigrants Gaetano and Vita (Sunseri) Cancilla. He spent his childhood there on Vine Street, in a house filled with the smells of spaghetti sauce and Italian herbs – and the sounds of children and his father’s beloved opera. These early influences would become an integral part of his life in later years. He joined the Army during World War II and served our country from 1944-1946. Sal worked for Southern Pacific Railroad , which later became Pacific Motor Trucking. He was a dock and warehouse worker until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the Local 287 Teamsters Union. Sal and his first wife, Helen (Starling) Cancilla Trayler had one daughter, Annette (Cancilla) Crouch Halischak together and were divorced in 1973. He married his second wife Marie (Passafiume) Klassen Cancilla on December 7, 1974. Together they spent 12 years serving the community and the Lord in San Jose, California and continued their ministry when they moved to Ladson, SC in 2003. Sal loved the Lord, his family, opera, comedy, gardening and sharing stories with friends. Sal was very involved in volunteer work and received an Outstanding Volunteer Award from Manna Food Ministry along with his wife, Marie Cancilla. He is survived by his wife, Marie (Passafiume) Klassen Cancilla, brother Frank Cancilla, CA, sister Roselle (Cancilla)Nix, TX, his daughter, Annette (Cancilla) Crouch Halischak of Dundalk, MD, Step-daughters Joanna (Klassen) Fordyce and Rosanna (Klassen) Perritte of Summerville,SC, Grandchildren Dylan Crouch and Liberty Crouch, NC and Jennifer Crouch, VA; Step-grandchildren Pat, Katie, Daniel and Nicky Fordyce and Jonathan, Denise and Timmy Perritte, plus numerous great-grandchildren and other family members. Friends and family will be received at Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services (7475 Peppermill Pky, North Charleston SC) for visitation from 4 pm-6 pm on Monday, August 5, 2012; funeral services will follow on Tuesday, August 6 at 11 am at the funeral home with Deacon Russell Fordyce officiating. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Marie Cancilla c/o Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services (7475 Peppermill Pky, N. Charleston, SC 29418) Lowcountry Food Bank or the Disabled Veterans Association.