Santo Mariano Baldanza

Santo “Sammy” Mariano Baldanza, 95, of Garfield, NJ died peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his wife on May 1, 2020. Sam was a successful business owner. He owned and was president of Sandy Dress Co, of Passaic & Garfield NJ, which operated 6 factories and employed over 300 associates for 25 years. He later started a successful maternity swimwear line called My Choice with his wife. Sammy later provided consultative services to Elite Group from 1997 to 2017, managing numerous operations & projects for the company. Sammy had a highly entrepreneurial spirit and an incredibly keen understanding of production. He assisted a countless number distressed businesses turn their operations around from the late 1970s well into the 2000s. Sam graduated from Clifton High School, and attended Wilbur Wright College, where he studied electronic, electrical, electro-mechanical and mechanical devices. Sam was enlisted in the US Navy and earned the rank of E5, Petty Officer Second Class. He taught how to operate Artificer Devices. Sam was also a highly skilled boxer. Winning 24 of 25 amateur fights while in the Navy, winning 20 by KO. Sammy was an avid horse lover and rider. He owned and operated Baldan Farms, a beautiful 25 acre horse farm in Asbury Park where he raised, raced and bred quarter horses for over 20 years. Sam was born in Passaic, lived in Clifton for many years, and resided in Garfield for 35 years. Sam was the most humble man, expect when he spoke about his four sons and his beautiful wife. He was one of the most affectionate people, not only towards his family but to everyone who he met. This is the one quality that resonated even with those who hardly knew him. For as long as I could remember, people would gravitate towards his positive energy that radiated out to anyone standing around him. Sam was an avid storyteller, he enjoyed to share his experiences with all those around him old and new friends alike. Sam would chew your ear off with his visual and captivating storytelling. Sammy is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou (Villa), of 40 years and was the proud father of his four sons Samuel “Sandy” (Angela), Thomas (Candace), Roger (Jillian) and Richard (Carolyn). He was a fabulous and loving grandfather to his 8 grandchildren Jessica (predeceased), Jamie, Gabriela, Alex, Rob, Rosalyn, Lorenzo, Emerysn and another grandson on the way. He is also survived by 1 adorable great-grandchildren Lyla with a great-grandson on the way. He was affectionately called "Grandpa Sam" by all. Sam was predeceased by his parents Liborio and Maria Santa (Glorioso), a sister, Josephine (Cali), and three brothers, Charles, Anthony, and John. Sam will be interred at Calvary Cemetery in Paterson, NJ after a private service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Funeraria Alvarez, Passaic NJ.