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The Long Island rescue community is mourning Verbena “Tina Louise” Santo, a beloved animal advocate who died last week from injuries she suffered when she was struck and pinned between two vehicles outside a Costco in Lake Grove.
Santo, 77, of Coram, was hit in the parking lot earlier this month and was placed on life support. She died 11 days later on Nov. 12.
Friends and rescuers said Santo was best known for tending a long-established cat colony with near-daily devotion — often rising before dawn to feed, monitor and care for the animals. She also welcomed rescues into her home, especially those needing extra time, treatment or attention.
Her family said it was her quiet compassion that defined her.
A dedicated vegan, Santo “poured a remarkable amount of love into her family, her friends, and the animals she cared for every single day,” according to her obituary. Though she had a special affinity for cats, she was known for treating every living creature gently and without judgment.
Beyond her rescue work, Santo spent many years as a travel agent, most recently with Blue Ribbon Travel in Stony Brook. Loved ones said the job suited her perfectly — she enjoyed helping people plan meaningful trips and had a curiosity that made every conversation feel like an invitation to explore someplace new.
Heartfelt messages mourning Santo’s passing continue to pour into social media.
“You always had a kind word to say to me every time we met,” Maria Siano Flyntz, Santo’s former co-worker wrote on Facebook. “You were a wonderful woman, and the world has lost a genuinely kind, caring and compassionate person.”
John DeBacker, an animal advocate and vice president of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution Inc., shared that “Tina wasn’t just an animal advocate, she was an advocate for everyone.”
In recent weeks, DeBacker and many of Santo’s friends worked to successfully have Santo’s nine pet cats adopted.
Santo is survived by her brothers Anthony Santo of Port Jefferson and Sal Santonastaso of Coxsackie, New York; her two sister-in-laws and dear friends, Debbie Santo of Port Jefferson and Deb Santonastaso of Coxsackie; her nieces and nephew Jesse Santonastaso, Anna Walker, Laurie Santo and Douglas Santo; and eight grand-nieces and nephews.
Services for Santo have not yet been scheduled.
Top photo: Verbena Santo (Facebook)
