Nick Santangelo was born at Multnomah County Hospital on May 5th,1936. Nick was the third child born to Nichola and Maria Santangelo. When Nick was young, both his parents passed-away and he was raised by his two older brothers Louie and Victor (Vic) Santangelo. A lifelong resident of Portland, OR; Nick passed on December 15, 2025 surrounded by his family.

            Nick was baptized at St. Michael’s and served as an altar boy for Fr. Balestra, who only allowed Italian boys to serve. In and out of school, Nick loved playing ball and he and his nephew Richie had many adventures in Duniway Park growing up.

            Nick attended Central Catholic High School, where he excelled at basketball, baseball and football. At a school dance Nick’s niece Barbara introduced him to a pretty blonde named Nancy whom he dated for several years. After high school he joined the US Army to “see the world” where he was sent to Renton, Washington. About halfway through his service, he called Nancy and asked, “what do you think about getting married?”. Nancy said yes and on September 8, 1956, they did. When he returned home from the Army, he went back to Portland State University with the goal of being a Social Worker for the Neighborhood House. However, he landed at ESCO where he worked for 40 years until he retired.

            During his 69 years of marriage to Nancy, the two shared 9 children together, 4 sons and 5 daughters; Nick, Joe, Beth, Mark, Anne, Kate, Sharon, Karen, and Matt. These years were the happiest and most fulfilling moments of his life thanks to Nancy. Nick and Nancy sent all 9 children to Catholic private school, something that was immensely important to the couple.

            Nick came back to his love of sports through his children, as a coach, mentor, referee, and even an athletic director at Queen of Peace and Holy Redeemer. With the continued support of Nancy, Nick found solace in volunteering. He could be found hosting bingo at Holy Redeemer and St. Mary's Academy,  passing out meals for Meals on Wheels, helping at Friendly House in NW Portland, being a eucharistic minister for the elderly, planning activities for the senior group called “Silver Spirits”, as well as being the President of the Holy Redeemer St. Vincent de Paul Chapter for many years. Serving his community was the heart of his daily life.

            Through his family Nick will be remembered for his love for his wife, his lively storytelling skills, his ability to turn a boring walk to Fred Meyer into an unforgettable “Grandpa” adventure, his love for a good competition, his recliner chair that faces the TV at the perfect angle and the unconditional love he had for his family. Our family knows that he is in Heaven sitting in his chair watching down on us and waiting to meet us again someday.

            Nick is survived by his wife Nancy, his 9 children and their significant others as well as 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 25 N. Rosa Parks Way on Saturday Jan 10, 2026 at 10am preceded by a Rosary at 9:30am and a reception to follow. The mass will also be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com@holyredeemerpdxchurch 

            Donations can be made to the St. Vincent DePaul food room at Holy Redeemer in Nick’s name.