J. NH-J.David Santos Obituary (1946

NASHUA, NH - J. David Santos, 62, of Nashua, died Saturday morning September 13, 2008 after a lengthy illness at his home in Nashua surrounded by family and friends. He was born August 23, 1946 in Lowell, a son of Celia "Buddy" (Dyer) Santos of Nashua. Mr. Santos grew up in Lowell, MA. He had been a resident of Nashua for 22 years, and previously lived in North Andover and Lowell. David was the husband of Martha (O'Connor) Santos. David's life was his family, friends, his music, and weekends at his Cape Cod home. His life of kindness, courteousness, consideration for others, humor and wit is to be celebrated. An accomplished lead and jazz trumpet player and featured soloist, David performed throughout New England, Las Vegas and other major cities with "Everyday People" and "Mac's Mob". He performed with nationally known entertainers such as "The Platters", and participated in recording sessions and television appearances. David traveled throughout the US as a member of the 564th Air Force Band performing in high schools, colleges, and on television. Most recently David performed with the Freese Brothers Big Band, Moe Breton's Big Band, and the New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra. David trained at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and was a star pupil of Carmine Caruso, an internationally recognized authority on the art of brass playing. David graduated from Lowell High School in 1964 and received the Arion award for outstanding musical achievement. He received a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from University of Lowell in 1979. David had been employed as school counselor and teacher by Lowell Adult Education Center from 1979 until 1995, and had worked at O'Connor Hardware in Billerica. Survivors include his wife, Martha, mother Celia F. Santos, sister Eileen and brother-in-law Edward Guy of Methuen, MA, sister Kathleen and brother-in-law Keith Koch of Bristol, NH, brother Christopher Santos of San Francisco, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father John F. Santos and his brother Paul Santos. Friends may call at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT, on Monday from 3 until 8 PM. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Tuesday at 8:15 AM followed by his Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM at St. Margaret Church in Lowell. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854. For online condolences please use the icon below.