Santa M. Cosentino

Precious Gift

Vicky Santa your other sister I forgot her name now. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I know Vicky you’re gonna greatly miss her. She was your friend. You’re confident your roommate for all these years. I wish I was home to pay respects, but Richie and I sent our love and our sympathy to all of you. I’m so sorry. May God rest and help her rest in peace

one of the last true great Brooklyn born Moms.

To my dear friend Al, and of course Karen… and to Debbie, Sissy, and Vicky… to Santa’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren… and to Marge, all the nephews, nieces, cousins, and the entire Cosentino family:

Please accept our deepest condolences.

Over the past 23 years that Karen and I had the privilege of knowing your Mom, I witnessed how truly blessed she was by the love and respect each of you gave her. And you know what? She deserved every bit of it.

The Cosentinos are a beautiful, active, and at times wonderfully crazy bunch. Santa was the matriarch who held it all together. I can only imagine how crazy you must have made her while growing up. I’ve only known her children as adults, but after hearing the stories from Al, his sisters, cousins, and friends about life in your parents’ home, it’s clear—she most definitely earned and deserved your love and devotion.

Karen and I were incredibly fortunate to spend many weeks and countless family occasions with Santa and all of you. Over time, Santa rubbed off on us in the best possible way. She became like a mom to us as well—and to many of the neighbors too. I’m certain that same motherly love was felt by many of her children’s friends.

Seeing the video collection of decades of photographs reminds us just how full and rich your mom’s life truly was. And it also shows how she helped make life so full for her children and for the entire Cosentino family.

So I want to close with this thought.

Even in the sadness of Santa’s passing, there is a beautiful truth: her life is something to celebrate.

Your mom leaves a space in your hearts that nothing will ever completely fill. But the joy of her legacy—the memories, the stories, the love we see reflected in all those pictures—will, we pray, continue to bring healing, peace, and comfort to your hearts for the rest of your lives.

Your mom is now at peace, resting at the feet of our Heavenly Father… and most likely already planning a wonderful reunion with your dad and all her loved ones in Heaven. 

With much love,

Rick and Karen Hodish