Gerald Luca Santilli

Gerald (Jerry) Luca Santilli of Wayne, PA and Margate City, NJ, a cherished husband, father, Pop, and brother, passed peacefully on August 2, 2025 at the age of 72. He was born on November 23, 1952 in Woodbury, NJ, the son of the late Lucy and Dante Santilli.

Jerry is survived by his wife Patricia Ann (Patti) Santilli, daughters Mary Catherine (Katie) and Allison Theresa (Dr. Allison Hussey), and son-in-law David Hussey. He also leaves his much-loved grandsons, Luca Thomas Hussey, and Fitzgerald Patrick Hussey; a sister Regina Lumpp, and brother-in-law James Lumpp, several nieces, and a nephew.

Jerry’s world revolved around his family. He and Patti shared 49 years of a beautiful marriage. They met on a blind date in 1972 and were together since that night. He was a junior at Villanova and she was in her sophomore year at Immaculata. Jerry and Patti were married on May 22, 1976 and their life together was one of great love and devotion, mutual respect, and many shared interests.

In 1981 and 1984 respectively, they became the proud parents of Katie and Allison. Jerry was endlessly proud of his daughters and shared a bond with each of them that was filled with love and admiration.

In June 2014, David and Allison were married in a beautiful ceremony in Sitges, Spain, thus joining the Santilli and Hussey families.

2018 brought two wonderful gifts, the births of Luca Thomas and Fitzgerald Patrick Hussey. Jerry became “Pop” to these two little boys and they were his pride and joy. And they in turn, adored their Pop and loved spending time with him.

Jerry’s educational experience spanned numerous years. He was a 1970 graduate of St. James High School in Carney’s Point, NJ. In 1974 he received a B.A. in Sociology from Villanova University, a B.S. in Accounting from Rutgers University in 1979 and an MBA from LaSalle University in 1984.

His professional life was filled with accomplishments. From 1978 to 1985, Jerry worked in the controller’s office (county of Bucks, Doylestown, PA), first as an internal auditor and later as the audit and accounting administrator. From 1985 to 1999, Jerry was employed by The School District of Philadelphia. He worked in various administrative capacities, culminating with his appointments as Executive Director of Financial Services.

For several years after that, Jerry was the Director of School Business Services for Foundations, Inc., which was in Moorestown, NJ. But in 2004, Jerry took a leap of faith and founded the firm of Santilli & Thomson, LLC located in Marlton, NJ.

His final position was the President & Chief Executive Officer of American Paradigm Schools which is based in Philadelphia, PA.

One of Jerry’s great passions was his belief in the charter school movement, of which he was a pioneer. Jerry’s strong feeling that every child was entitled to a school that was safe, clean, enticing and provided an excellent education prompted his founding of First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, which opened its doors in 2002. He also was the founder of Tacony Academy Charter School in 2009. During his tenure at Santilli & Thomson, Jerry was actively involved in the operation and success of numerous other charter schools, including MaST, New Foundations, PPACS, Memphis Street Academy, Lindley Academy, Greenwoods Charter School, and others. His love of education and belief in a strong foundation for all young people was evident in the many opportunities he created.

Jerry and Patti enjoyed many happy years together doing what they loved. At the top of their list was spending time with their family especially Luca and Fitz. The seashore was their happy place. They also enjoyed going out to dinner and weekends in New York City to see Broadway shows. Historic sightseeing, especially visiting the homes and museums of former presidents and just spending time together. They traveled to twenty states and visited Canada, Mexico, London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, Athens, Santorini, Barcelona, and numerous tropical islands.

In his spare time, Jerry especially enjoyed cooking. He was the family chef and holiday meals were his specialty. He also loved to read and kept abreast of the current events, especially those related to education. He and Patti liked to explore antique shops and frequently visited various venues to listen to classical music.

Last but not least, Jerry treasured his relationships with the family dogs. Iggy, Bridget and Rose as well as grand dogs, Olive, Judy, Debbie, Lulu and Polly.

Jerry will always be remembered as a man of principle, honesty, integrity and most especially as a man of faith and family.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7

Relatives and friends are invited to Jerry's viewing on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova University, 800 E. Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA followed by his funeral mass at 10:30 AM. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to all4pawsrescue.com in Jerry’s name would be appreciated.