Nicholas Santora

A simple man – straightforward, unassuming and sincere; quiet, gentle, yet full of passion – these are just a few of the many words that describe Nicholas Frank Santora. A man who loved the outdoors, NASCAR racing, and most of all, his family, Nick will be remembered as a man who knew that true joy and happiness come from being surrounded by family and friends.

The year was 1947 and the world was slowly emerging from the darkness of World War II. Prosperity had replaced despair and people were beginning to enjoy themselves again. One of these forms of enjoyment was stock car racing. In Daytona Beach, a gentleman by the name of William H.G. France, after much coaxing, started the most popular form of motor sports in the United States. He organized and founding the National Association of Stock Car Racing, or as we know it today – NASCAR. For Allen and Gladys (Jager) Santora, living in Holland, Michigan, this was not an important event, but it would be to their son born that same year. Already the parents of daughter, Sandra, on February 25, 1947, they welcomed the birth of their first son, Nicholas Frank. Nick and Sandra were later joined by sister, Gwen, and brother, Michael.

Nick spent his whole life in Holland. As a youth Nick loved nature - snakes, frogs and fishing. He joined the Cub Scouts, where he could put the love of nature to good use. As he enjoyed many sports, one of which was ice hockey. He and his father, Allen would flood a section of the back yard and spent many hours playing on the rink. Like most teenage boys, he played both baseball and football while attending Holland High School, graduating in 1965. Although sports played a big part in his life, it was the “call of the wild” that grabbed Nick. He loved to fish, especially for salmon, and also enjoyed hunting – anything that had to do with the outdoors. He grew up near the lake and was introduced to the thrill of boating at an early age. Summer weekends were spent “on the boat”. He not only could drive a boat, he could fix the engine as well. Being very mechanically inclined, he developed an interest in car racing, specifically NASCAR racing. In Marne, Michigan, near the Berlin Raceway, Nick built and owned his own stock car racer.

He soon found another love – a lady named Cindy. They met at Brann’s Restaurant, dated for about a year and were married in Holland on September 18, 1993. They had just celebrated their 10th anniversary. Sticking with his love of boating, the newly weds went on a cruise for their honeymoon. Nick was a hard worker and worked for Micromatic-Textron for 30 years until they closed. Presently he was working for Agritek Industries in Holland, a job he enjoyed.

Nick had other interests besides boating and NASCAR. When he was younger, he would get together with a group of his buddies every Wednesday to play poker. He liked to travel – but not by airplane. At one time he had to travel to Mexico for business. The trip went well, but he did not enjoy the experience of flying. For the past two years, he and Cindy had gone on cruises with close friends. It didn’t however, have to be a cruise ship for them to have a good time. They would often go out in their own boat with friends and top the evening off by going out to dinner. Nick and Cindy also enjoyed their yearly trips to Sarasota, Florida. Nick loved the beach and the water, and would spend hours walking along the shore looking for sand dollars. When his children, Kim and Tim, were younger, they would take relaxing Sunday drives, or go fishing together. He would drive to Petoskey for the day – just for the adventure. Sometimes they would make a campfire on the beach and roast marshmallows. Often when Cindy had to work Nick would help Samantha and Nichole with homework and take them to sporting practices and events. Nick often said that Cindy was the one always in a hurry and he would remind her to “stop and smell the roses”. Nick would always have a fire burning at home so he and Cindy could enjoy some quiet time together and share the events of their day.

Nicholas Frank Santora, age 57 of Holland, died Monday, February 23, 2004, at his home. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Santora. Surviving are his wife Cindy, and children, Kim (Dave) Alkema of Grand Rapids, Timothy Santora, Samantha Santora and Nichole Santora, all of Holland. Also surviving are his step-children: Michelle Kniowski of Holland, and Eric Kniowski of Grandville; two grandchildren; his father, Allen Santora of Holland; parents-in-law Rodger and Vivian Horn of Holland; brother Michael Santora of Mesa, AZ; sisters, Sandra (Terry) Elizinga of Zeeland and Gwen (Gerald) Brochu of Grand Haven; brothers and sisters-in-law: Rick (Ann) Horn of Holland, Steve Horn of Kalamazoo, and Shari (Gregg) Far of Grand Rapids; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:30 PM at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd Street, with the Rev. Andres Fierro officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-9 PM at the Mulder Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Please visit Nick’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, share a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the children's education funds or the American Heart Association.

A man who enjoyed all that life had to offer, he kept a lot of his thoughts to himself; you could see his love for all of his families show through, Nick will be greatly missed.