Little Italy lost its patriarch today. John Dal Santo passed away this morning. He turned 99 years old yesterday. He was an extraordinary man and anyone who ever met him was drawn to his magnificent generosity and gift of storytelling. Born in Caltrano, Italy, March 29, 1920, he immigrated to the US in 1930. In 1941 he travelled to Little Italy with his boss on his way to Arizona.

It was on that trip where he met his wife of 76 years, Olga Vaccari. John and Olga married in October 1942. He served valiantly in the European Theater in World War II, earning several medals for valor, including the Purple Heart. John was a Captain with the Little Rock Fire Department until his retirement. John was a loving father, Nonno (grandfather), Bisnonno (great-grandfather), Zio (uncle), and Santolo (godfather). May he Rest In Peace.