Obituary of Kenny Santarossa

Kenny Santarossa. Aka - The one armed bandit.  November 28, 1972 - March 9, 2026.

Kenny Santarossa passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on March 9, 2026, at University Hospital in London, Ontario, at the age of 53. Kenny was born in Windsor, Ontario, on November 28,1972.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lionello (2017) and Iolanda (née Nespolon) (2020) and his brother, Leo Santarossa (2014).

He is survived by his brother Robert; he was the loving nephew of Silvana (late Vincenzo) Santarossa, Maria (late Giacinto) Santarossa, the late Irma (late Dante) Pessa, Bruna (late Mario) Piccinin, Italo Nespolon and greeted in heaven by the late Luigi (Georgette) Nespolon, Danilo (Marcella) Nespolon and Santa (Dante) Pellarin.

Kenny is also survived by many cousins; Walter (Mary Anne) Santarossa, Sonia Santarossa (Kevin Comeau), Melanie Santarossa (Matthew Rideout), Rita Brugnerotto (Adone), Eliana Toffolo (late Tarcisio), Tony (Mary) Piccinin, Anna (Don) Fontaine, Mike (Julie) Piccinin, Terry (Ronnie) Piccinin, Barb (Daniel) Sebben, Roy (Lisa) Pellarin, Jeff (Sam) Pellarin, Sylvie (Leon) Parent, Aaron Nespolon, Daniel (Barb) Nespolon, Dino Nespolon, Linda (Nick) Stacyszyn, Gene (Donna) Nespolon, Danny Nespolon and the late Roger Nespolon and late Sean Nespolon.

Kenny also leaves behind many cherished extended family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbours who will miss him dearly.

A graduate with a degree in Computer Science, Kenny dedicated 25 years of service to Unifor Local 444, where he was respected for his commitment and work ethic.

Kenny never allowed his physical challenges to slow him down. In fact, it made him a stronger person, and everyone who knew or met Kenny left stronger for having known him.

You would be hard-pressed to find a photo where Kenny wasn’t smiling. He had an infectious glass-half-full outlook and was always ready with a joke to lift someone’s spirits. He loved sports, (especially cheering for the Detroit Lions), action movies, video games, and poker. Kenny really valued time with his family and friends, always saying ‘yes’ to an opportunity to be together.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at University Hospital in London for their compassionate care and support.

Kenny loved his late dog, Paco—and honestly every dog he ever met— and the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (https://windsorhumane.org/), or a charity of their choice.

Kenny - we see you up there, enjoying a cigar and sipping a beer while reacquainting with loved ones.

In accordance with Kenny's wishes, private visitation and cremation will take place. 

Memorial visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (South Chapel), 3048 Dougall Ave, Windsor, Ontario on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to the time of the service to celebrate Kenny’s life at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery, 5005 Howard Ave, LaSalle, ON.

Family has arranged to livestream services.  To join click here