Dr. Edward Vincent De Santis

On September 8, 2015, New Mexico lost a gentle spirit and one of its finest educators and scholars. At the age of 78, with his loving wife, Rosario, ever by his side, Dr. Edward Vincent De Santis died peacefully. As a teacher in the University of New Mexico Honors Program and a Graduate Dean, as well as a professor in many other departments, he will live on in the memories of scores of students inspired by his gifted teaching, deep commitment, and wise personal counsel and academic guidance. Countless friends and colleagues were blessed with his gentleness, loyalty, mirth and affection. Edward was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 5, 1937, the third son of Michele and Mattia De Santis. Influenced by his father, a harpist with the New York City Symphony Orchestra and an avid New York baseball fan, Edward had both classical music and the sport of baseball coursing through his veins. He could name a musical score, or an opera, and its conductor after hearing only a few bars. Music became for him the transcendental experience. A former Jesuit priest, he earned advanced degrees at Fordham and Brown University and devoted himself to teaching, academic scholarship, and the pursuit of personal and world peace. He was a protégé of the Berrigan brothers and a war protester in the 60s. In 1972 Edward married Maria Arancio, and headed west to teach at the University of New Mexico and to host a locally-broadcast and popular radio political talk show entitled “Dedicated to the Proposition.” Together, they adopted a baby son, Tristan, whom Edward considered to be the greatest gift of his life. When they went their separate ways, Edward and Maria remained united in parenthood and friendship. In 1996 Edward married his soul-mate, Rosario Hernandez, a distinguished scholar and professor, in her own right, at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Edward was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brothers, the Reverend Robert De Santis and Dr. Frank De Santis. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosario and her large family who embraced Edward as their own. He is also survived by his beloved son, Tristan and his wife, Olivia; friends, former students, and colleagues without number. A rosary service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at FRENCH – University. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 17, 2015, 10:00 a.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1818 Coal Place SE, Albuquerque. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Albuquerque.