Obituary: Santa Rosa, Arthur Anthony Angelo

SANTA ROSA,
Arthur Anthony
Angelo
(Age 79)

To make a long story short, Arthur Anthony Angelo Santa Rosa was born to Italian emigrants, Francesco and Antonia Santa Rosa on June 21, 1936 in Spirit Lake, Idaho.

He called Spokane his home.

He graduated from Rogers HS in 1955.
He is survived by his children, Brenda Goehring (Randy) of Colbert, WA, Shelley (Dean) Dandelles of Mesa, AZ, Bret (Wendy-ex) Santa Rosa, Spokane, WA, and Patricia (Roger) Flint, Spokane, WA.

He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Jennifer, Danika, Alexandra, Michael, Erika, Alexis, Brandon, Ashley, Nicole and Chelsea; two great-granddaughters: Charlie and Veronica Lee; sister-in-law, Bette Santa Rosa and nieces Tracey Kipp and Julie Chapin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Edward, and nephew, Scott Santa Rosa.
To say that Dad had an infatuation with automobiles would be an understatement.

He owned Santa Rosa Body & Fender, sold cars at Wendle Ford and owned/operated his wrecking yard in Hillyard.

Dad was influential in the birth of the “Hot Rod” scene in Spokane.

His hobbies revolved around the automobile and race cars.

From early road trips to Bonneville, drag racing at Deer Park and Stock Car racing at the Fairgrounds.

The highlight of his racing career was his involvement with Jim Tipke’s race team and their successes in the late 60s.

Some of his best friends were members of that team.

Dad loved to tell stories.

Most of his stories started, as this obituary did, “To make a long story short,” which really meant “To make a short story long.

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We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge Tomato Street Restaurant where Dad frequented so often that his favorite table bears his name.

Dad would often say in his later years he worked for their promotions department.

We think he simply enjoyed the food and company at TS.
Our family would like to offer our most sincere thanks to the following: the caring staff at Summit Cancer Center, which includes Dr. Bruce Cutter, and Hospice House-North of Spokane.

It is often said that Dad never met a stranger and that was certainly true at Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Shriners Hospital of Spokane.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 7th from 1-3 North Spokane Dance Center, 7424 N. Freya.