Michael J. Del Santo, 87, a retired Army Colonel and resident of Crofton, Md., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 peacefully in his sleep.

Colonel Del Santo was born in Barrington on May 8, 1930. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy in Providence and Norwich University in Northfield, Vt.

During his 26-year Army career, he served in several stateside locations which included the Pentagon and a tour of duty at West Point. He also served his country in two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He attended the Army’s Command and General Staff College along with several other technical and management schools. His decorations included a Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, a Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

After his military service, Colonel Del Santo spent 16 years in the hotel industry in several capacities which included senior vice president of a major hotel management company based in the Washington DC area.

Colonel Del Santo is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carina; two sons and their spouses, Michael and Trisha Del Santo, David and Andrea Del Santo; two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Caroline, Antonetta, Isabel and Louise, and a grandson, Jonathan Del Santo.

A mass of Christian Burial was held on Sept. 11, officiated by Father Raymond Suriani, beloved nephew of Colonel Del Santo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, 16501 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715. The family wishes to thank Donna Suriani Merlino, beloved niece, for her steadfast love and support throughout the years.