Winchester - Guido Santonelli Jr. (July 3, 1941- May 4, 2026) was born to Guido Joseph Santonelli and Louise (Lulu) Romano Santonelli. He grew up in Wakefield, MA, the oldest of three brothers.

Guido graduated from Wakefield High School (1959), Tilton School (1960) and received his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University (1964), where he was also a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity. A standout high school athlete in football, high jump, and hurdles, he also found room for quieter joy in music and singing with the Glee club. After college, Guido served in the Army Reserves. In 1967 Guido led a distinguished 30 + year career in publishing at Addison- Wesley, McGraw Hill, and Random House. Shortly after starting at Addison Wesley, he moved to Rockport Ma, married, purchased a beautiful home, and welcomed his two children Jef and Grant. It was in these formative years on Smith Road that Guido began to make his lifelong friends. The friendships he made in this neighborhood became a source of enduring support and happiness throughout his entire life. Guido's proudest achievement was his family and the home he created for love, memories, and summertime fun. His favorite holiday was July 4th, both for his birthday and the traditions surrounding it. He loved hosting holidays and especially cherished sleepovers with his grandchildren: Wilder, Lulu, and Nelli, and their golden retriever Winnie. In the summer, he would take them to Old Garden Beach, where they would hunt for crabs, snorkel, and run wild among the rocks. After a long, sun-soaked day, ending at the Fish Shack was their ritual - the kind of simple joy he treasured. He carried a natural generosity and gentle kindness that touched everyone around him. His warmth showed up in a thousand small ways. Guido was an early riser, outside at 6am, pockets stocked with dog treats, rake in hand, chatting with his favorite neighbors as he tended to his magazine-worthy lawn and gardens or the koi pond he built with meticulous care. A lover of nature, animals, plants, and flowers, he approached every day with the same devotion he brought to running, tennis and golf. Guido was a steadfast supporter of his children's activities. His unwavering presence was always felt either when he coached Jef in Little League or driving to Governor Dummer for Jef's tennis matches, before returning to Rockport High to support Grant in hers. Throughout his life, Guido maintained a close bond with his group of friends, many of whom he had known since first grade. The group would meet weekly for coffee in Wakefield Center or gather in the Spring for rounds of golf, creating memories that spanned decades. Guido's devotion as a father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend touched us all. His presence left an indelible mark, and he will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Guido is survived by his son Jef Santonelli (Tampa, FL), his daughter, Grant Murphy and her husband, Kevin Murphy (Winchester, MA) and their three children Wilder, Lulu and Nelli. He is also survived by his brothers Robert Santonelli (Lynnfield, MA) and Steven Santonelli (Tampa, FL). as well as, his nephews, Andrew and Ben Santonelli and niece Meredith Santonelli. In respecting his wishes, family will gather in a special location to celebrate our beloved Guido. In lieu of flowers, please consider an online tribute to Cape Ann Animal Aid, a non –profit animal shelter dedicated to facilitating the appropriate placement of adoptable animals. Capeannanimalaid.org.