Town of Deerpark Resident Florence Santini Honored at Woman of Distinction Ceremony in Albany

(Middletown, NY)-Town of Deerpark resident Florence Santini was honored this week as Senator John J. Bonacic’s (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) 2016 Woman of Distinction. The annual program honors women who have made exceptional contributions to their respective communities  Santini was joined by other honorees at ceremony in Albany.

Florence Santini was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and Clifton NJ. She was married to her husband Tar for over thirty years until his passing last year. They had two sons, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Together Flo and Tar operated Santini’s restaurant in the Town of Deerpark for many, many years.

In 1999 Mrs. Santini was elected as the Town of Deerpark Tax Collector. She was handpicked by retiring Town Clerk, Shirley Zeller to succeed her and has served as Town of Deerpark Town Clerk since 2002. Due to her strong sense of community and willingness to serve, she was also elected to the Port Jervis School Board. Mrs. Santini is a member of the Catholic Daughters Court Madonna 114, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 161. She volunteers regularly at St. Joseph’s Place at Bon Secours Hospital. She also volunteers with Hudson Valley Honor Flight, and the 17th Street Cancer Crusade. She is a member of the Orange/Sullivan Town Clerk’s Association, and the New York State Town Clerk’s Association. Last year she was awarded the Town Clerk of the Year for District 2  by the New York State Town Clerk’s Association.

Flo was also instrumental in obtaining a beam from the World Trade Center, and helped create a beautiful memorial in front of Deerpark Town Hall, and she also helps organize a 9-11 memorial service every year.

“I’m so pleased to have been able to honor Florence Santini, someone who has done so much for her local community, as my 2016 Woman of Distinction,” said Senator Bonacic. “From her service to her constituents and her volunteering, she truly embodies what this program is about, and she has made her community a better place.”