Robert V. Santare, III

Robert V. Santare, III of Southampton Twp, NJ passed away suddenly Tuesday, December 25, 2012.He was 57. Mr. Santare was born in Barnegat Light August 17, 1955. His family moved to Cherry Hill, NJ and he graduated from Cherry Hill West High School in 1973. His early work experience was varied and prepared him for the success that was to come later. Among his employers were Bell Telephone, Ultimate Machine Company and Garlock Valves, AVA Electronics and Erico Fastening Systems. During this time he was also attending classes at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University. In 1990, Mr. Santare entered into a business arrangement with Mr. Aldo Magazzeni and they founded Champion Fasteners, Inc. and the company quickly grew; acquiring a distribution company in the United Kingdom in 1995 and Kern & Szalai Machine Company in 1999. In 2010 Champion Fasteners celebrated its 20th anniversary. He was recognized by the New Jersey Senate and Assembly for business achievement and in 1997 Champion Fasteners was selected to host a visit of Chinese industrialists to the United States. As successful as Mr. Santare was in business, these pale when compared to his accomplishments and commitments to his community. He has served as Chairperson of the Burlington County Workforce Investment Board from 1997-2011, a member of the Burlington County College Foundation Board of Technology Foundation from 1996 to present and a member of the H.B. Smith Village Conservancy Board of Trustees from 1998 until the present. His work and dedication to these groups has helped to raise over $560,000 in fundraising. He received the Excellence Award from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges in 1995, the Voice of Business Award from the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce in 1996 and the Outstanding Volunteer Award by the Burlington County Board of Freeholders. Mr. Santare was extremely proud of being a founder, with his partner, Aldo Magazzeni, of Traveling Mercies Foundation , a Charitable Humanitarian Outreach Program. Son of the late Barbara Santare (nee Hill), he is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; three sons, Robert Santare IV, Leo Santare, Sean Santare; two grandsons, Mason, Bobby V.; his father, Robert V. Santare Jr.; a brother, Hugh Santare; numerous aunts and uncles, especially George & Rosemary Schmiedel; his loyal companion, Kayla; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many dear friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am, Thursday at The Church of the Holy Eucharist, 520 Medford Lakes Rd., Tabernacle. Interment will follow in Colestown Cemetery, Cherry Hill. Friends and relatives may visit with the family Wednesday from 2 to 4 pm and again from 7 to 9 pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly.

Robert V. Santare, III

August 17, 1955 - December 25, 2012