Anthony Santangelo

Anthony Santangelo, 75, of Mt. Lebanon, who was deeply appreciated in his family for his role as a caregiver and famous in his senior softball league for his skill, modesty and sportsmanship, died Sunday, February 22, 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Tony was born in 1950 and grew up near Pittsburgh in Pitcairn, PA, as the oldest of three children of Joseph Santangelo, an auto mechanic, and Rose Marie (DeVirgilio) Santangelo, a telephone operator.

He is survived by a sister, Deborah Smerker; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Melissa Santangelo; and nephews Cole, Carson and Cooper Santangelo. He was also loved by his late parents and brother-in-law, Daniel Smerker.

Tony played baseball as a teenager and was on the wrestling team at Gateway Senior High School in Monroeville. He earned a business degree at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pa., and worked for the Internal Revenue Service and as a salesman of industrial equipment. In mid-career, he returned to school for training as a laboratory technician and joined Quest Diagnostics, where he retired in 2019.

Tony was generous with his nephews, attending their athletic events and giving them financial support during their college days. When an older relative needed advice or care during illnesses, Tony was always there.

He enjoyed bicycling, especially along the Ghost Town Trail east of Pittsburgh, and played softball, sometimes five times a week, mostly as a wide-ranging left fielder. Players in that 55-plus league recalled that he never argued with umpires or lost his temper. He was generous in praise for other players and silent about his own exploits. In his early 70s, he was slashing line drives to all fields, making shoestring catches and racing around the bases. He enjoyed reading history books and biographies and listening to music, particularly the Beatles. He kept a photo of Roberto Clemente on his living-room wall and was, like his baseball hero, known by everyone he met as a rare gentleman.

Funeral arrangements are private. Friends are encouraged to donate to a charity of their choice if they wish to honor Tony.

Arrangements entrusted to FREYVOGEL-SLATER FUNERAL DIRECTORS, Bethel Park, 412-835-1860.

www.slaterfuneral.com