Eleanor M. (Santillo) Jones

1947 - 2026

Eleanor M. Jones, 79, of Rome, passed away peacefully at the St. Luke’s Home on Saturday, March 7, 2026, after a long battle with dementia, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 27, 1947, in Rome, NY, to the late Pasquale “Pat” and Norena “Nellie” Coccagnia Santillo. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and was confirmed at St. John’s Church in Rome, NY.

Eleanor loved her family and was fiercely loyal. Her greatest time was with her children and grandchildren. She loved them dearly. Eleanor was known for her strong work ethic, often working multiple jobs to provide for her family, taking pride in all she did and never afraid of hard work. Anyone who knew her understood how tough she was. She fought hard throughout her illness and remained strong till the end. Eleanor will be missed by all the people that she came in contact with. She had a wonderful smile and greeting. The love she shared and the memories she created will never be forgotten.

Eleanor leaves behind her beloved companion, Lester Doolen, with whom she shared 47 years. She is also survived by her children and their families: Ralph Santillo and daughter-in-law Heather Santillo of Syracuse, and their children, Brandon (Katie) and Michael Santillo, Melissa Highers and son-in-law Shannon Highers of New Hartford, NY, and their children, Taylor and Lexi Highers, Gioia Saporito (Frank Lossani), and her children, Kenneth Irizarry, Stephanie Wishart, and Brendan Wishart, and great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her beloved sister, Patricia Ludwig. Eleanor leaves behind two of the greatest friends and caretakers anyone could ask for, Patty Morreale and her sister Chris Kellsey. She was predeceased by her siblings, Nunzio (Nick) Santillo, Pasquale (Patsy) Santillo, Joseph (Joe) Santillo, Diane Carlberg, and Douglass (Dougy) Santillo.

The family would also like to thank the staff of St. Luke’s Home for their care and compassion shown to Eleanor.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday March 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc.,7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, N.Y. 13440. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 4:00 pm. to 6:00 p.m., prior to the service. Private burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.