MIDDLETOWN - Vincent Joseph DeSantis, 79, of Middletown, passed away , Thursday, February 3, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center at Horton.

Born in Middletown on March 24, 1925, he was the son of Patsy and Rose Marino DeSantis. He retired as a heavy equipment operator and groundskeeper at Rockland Psychiatric Center, Orangeburg. He then worked as a school bus driver for the Goshen School District.

He served in the Army during World War II, was a member of the Civil Service Employee Association, and was a past member of local bowling leagues.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Pelc DeSantis; his son, Gary DeSantis and his wife Terri, his granddaughter, Jennifer DeSantis, and his brother, John DeSantis, all of Middletown; his brother-in-law, John Pelc and his wife, Geraldine, and sister-in- law, D. Josephine Bishop and her husband, George, all of Auburn; several cousins, nieces and nephews

He was predeceased by his daughter, Rosemary DeSantis; his infant twin sister and two brothers.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at Morse Funeral Home Inc., 33 Railroad Ave., Middletown. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in St. Joseph Catholic

Church, Middletown, with Monsignor George Valastro officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot in St. Columba Cemetery, Chester, N.Y.

The family requested no flowers. Donations in Vincent's name may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 149 Cottage St., Middletown; or to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Morse Funeral Home Inc., Middletown.