Geraldine Santangelo 1933-2026
GROSSE POINTE, Mich. — Geraldine Ann Brayer Grimm Santangelo passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. She was 92 years old.
Growing up in Campbell, “Gerri” was a registered nurse for more than 40 years. She practiced nursing at the former South Side Hospital in Youngstown and finished her career at the Mahoning County Tuberculosis Clinic.
Geraldine was an independent woman for her era. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class at Campbell Memorial in 1950. She then went on to earn her RN degree in 1954 from the Youngstown School of Nursing. Gerri was blessed with a large extended family — including 24 aunts and uncles and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews — most all residing in the Youngstown area.
Moving to Boardman in 1972, Gerri and her first husband, Richard B. Grimm, were parents to Dr. Richard A. Grimm (Lisa) of Chagrin Falls and Douglas J. Grimm (Sharon) of Naples, Florida. In 1986, Gerri married veteran Youngstown police officer Dominic Santangelo.
They retired in the Boardman area, and Gerri subsequently moved to Grosse Pointe following Dominic’s passing.
In a 1991 Youngstown Vindicator article, staff columnist (and neighbor) Jane Tims wrote, “She made sure her boys got to church, to family gatherings, minded their manners and followed the rules. She was there for them. They are fulfilled. For a mother, there’s no finer reward.”
Geraldine leaves behind four grandchildren, Leah Grimm Lovell (Alex) of Newtown Square, Pa., Katherine Grimm of Chicago, Illinois, Julia Grimm, also of Chicago, Illinois, and Alex Grimm of Fort Myers, Florida.
Geraldine was also the very proud great-grandmother to Sophie and JJ Lovell.
Additionally, Gerri leaves behind her sister-in-law, AnnaMae Brayer of Austintown; her niece, Darlene Patton of North Benton; and nephews, Randy Brayer (Susan) of San Angelo, Texas, and John Brayer (Michelle) of Berlin Center.
Her parents, John “Rosy” and Ann Brayer, and her brother, Raymond Brayer, preceded Geraldine in death.
A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at St. Charles Church in Boardman. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown, directly following the funeral service. A luncheon honoring Geraldine will take place following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Geraldine’s name.
to The Care Team Hospice Foundation, 5401 Gateway Center, Flint, MI 48507.
Share memories with the family at their online guest book at WujekCalcaterra.com.
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