Christopher "Chris" Santarelli

May 31, 1964 - September 1, 2018

Christopher “Chris” Santarelli passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2018. Chris was born in Ipswich on May 31, 1964. He was the devoted son of Mario and Barbara (Martel) Santarelli of Rowley, MA and Briny Breezes, FL, husband to Milva (Morillo) Santarelli of Newburyport, MA, loving brother to Jennifer Santarelli of Newburyport, MA and Stephanie Kelley and her husband Budd of Byfield, MA, and loving uncle to Ryan and Justin Kelley. George Sparacino and his wife Karen and children George Jr. and Jennifer were family to him and he spent many wonderful times with them and he loved them dearly. He is also survived by his beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Chris received his B.S. in Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology and then went onto complete further graduate work at Boston University. Chris was a dedicated and successful engineer for many years. Chris founded and managed the rock band Joppa Flatts out of Newburyport, MA. He and his band members enjoyed “rockin’ the seacoast” (his favorite tag line) for over 20 years, playing many local venues including the Grog and Michael’s Harborside to an adoring and loyal fan base. Chris had a passion for music since grade school starting with the clarinet and moving onto the saxophone in high school, where he won many awards. He also picked up guitar in high school. Chris loved fishing and boating on the Merrimack River, usually with his dear friend Mike Pollard by his side. Chris was a loyal, caring friend to many and will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Friends and guests are invited to call on Monday, September, 10, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 202 Main St. Rowley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately following the calling hours beginning promptly at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church. Interment to follow at the Rowley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ memory may be made c/o First Ipswich Bank, 155 State Street Newburyport, MA 01950 to support both the Triton Music Parents Organization and a memorial in his beloved Town of Newburyport. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Santarelli Family.