Deacon Paul J. Santella, born March 15, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Paul and Angelina Santella, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 8, 2026, at the age of 89. Paul’s life was defined by his faith in God, devotion to his family, and commitment to his community.

Paul’s pursuit of higher education began at La Salle University, where he graduated with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. This degree launched his career, starting in the United States Army Medical Corps, continuing with his pursuit of a graduate degree in Pharmacology from Temple University, and concluding as Medical Director at Bristol-Myers Squibb. His career gave him the opportunity to travel the world—and daily to New York City from his family home in Flemington, New Jersey.

Paul was a charter parishioner of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church. He was ordained a Deacon in 2001 and proudly baptized over 100 children, including two of his grandchildren and three of his great-grandchildren. He also committed significant time and energy to his community. He helped found the Boy Scouts of America Troop 194, the Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County, and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Men’s Club. He volunteered his time with the Hunterdon Interfaith Outreach Council, Hunterdon Drug Awareness, Family Promise, Operation Jersey Cares, and Serra International. He served as a Catholic Chaplain at Hunterdon Medical Center and as a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus.

Paul is survived by his wife of 65 years, Norma Santella; his children, Lisa A. Pfenninger, Dana Gooditis (Stephen), Kevin Santella (Julia), and Christopher Santella (Shannon); his grandchildren, Matthew M. Pfenninger (Caitlin Perrone), Timothy Pfenninger, Lindsay Gooditis (Hunter Timko), Christopher Santella (Emily), Stephen M. Gooditis (Lauren), Meghan Allison (Noah), Joseph Santella, Erin Santella, Jack Santella, Dylan Santella, and Charles Santella; his great-grandchildren, Evangeline Pfenninger, Riley Timko, Louis Santella, Jackson Paul Timko, with two more on the way; his siblings, Frank Santella (Betty), Rita Barone, and Angela Orlando; and many loving extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Angelina Santella, and his son-in-law, Matthew P. Pfenninger.

A viewing will occur on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, New Jersey 08887 between 2:00pm and 5:00pm, with a funeral mass to follow immediately at 5:00pm. Internment will take place at the St. Magdalene’s Mausoleum in Flemington, New Jersey on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Deacon Paul J. Santella to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.