Staten Island Ferry chief engineer
October 18, 2003
Native Staten Islander Mark G. Santapaga, 45, of Parlin, N.J., a chief engineer with the Staten Island Ferry, died Thursday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean 1999 Breeze, after a one-year battle with leukemia.
Born in Great Kills, he settled in Parlin in 1983. A graduate of Monsignor Farrell High School, Mr. Santapaga was captain of the school's varsity field events team, where he threw the shot put and held the discus record for more than 10 years.
He earned his bachelor of science degree in marine engineering in 1980 from SUNY Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, Bronx. While in college, he played offensive lineman for the school's football team.
Following graduation, Mr. Santapaga began his career as an engineering officer with the U.S. Department of Defense's Military Sea Lift Command. He began working at the Staten Island Ferry in 1983, where he was deputy director of construction and repairs and the chief engineer.
In addition to playing sports, Mr. Santapaga was a licensed amateur radio operator. "Mark was an extremely devoted father and enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything," said his brother, Richard. "He had a brilliant sense of humor and he always saw the humor in life."
Mr. Santapaga was a parishioner of St. Mary's R.C. Church, South Amboy, N.J. In addition to his brother, Richard, surviving are his wife of 20 years, the former Peggie O'Brien; two sons, Mark V. and Myles; his daughter, Margaret; his parents, Vincent and Lorice, and three brothers, Daniel, Robert and Matthew.
FMSAA