"Rocky" Raymond SantaMaria

January 7, 1959 - February 17, 2026

"Rocky" Raymond SantaMaria, 67, passed away on February 17, 2026, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, following an extended illness and a courageous fight that reflected the very strength of the character of which he embodied throughout his life.

Raymond was born on January 7, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, to Dominick SantaMaria, who predeceased him, and to his loving mother, Marilyn SantaMaria. Raised in Brooklyn, he carried with him the values of resilience, loyalty, and hard work that would define both his personal and professional life. He graduated from South Shore High School, a member of the Class of 1976, before continuing his education.

In June 1979, Raymond earned an Associate's Degree in Business Management and Accounting from Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York.

He went on to build a respected career in the construction trades, working as a professional taper for D&P Interiors, before going on to own and operate his own painting and taping company, DomRaySal Interiors. He was known for his craftsmanship, determination, and unwavering work ethic.

Raymond was deeply affected by the events of September 11, 2001. As a volunteer firefighter and lifelong New Yorker, that day left a lasting impression on him and strengthened his sense of patriotism, community, and appreciation for first responders - values he carried with him throughout his life.

After sustaining a disabling injury on the job, while employed by the New York City Parks Department, Raymond was forced to step away from the career he had worked so hard to build.

Years later, he faced another life-altering challenge, a leg amputation. True to his nature, he met adversity head-on. Friends knew him as "Rocky," a nickname he proudly chose because of his admiration for the character Rocky Balboa and the perseverance that character represented. Raymond embodied that same grit and refusal to give up in his own life.

But what truly defined Raymond was not just his toughness - it was his generosity. He was constantly helping people. Whether it was offering advice, giving someone encouragement during a difficult time, advocating for individuals with disabilities, or simply showing up when someone needed support, Raymond made it his mission to be there for others. He did not turn away from people who were struggling. Instead, he leaned in.

In December 2015, he founded the New Beginnings Amputee Support Group, creating a lifeline for individuals adjusting to life after limb loss. He mentored others, shared his own experiences openly, and reminded people that their lives were not over - they were simply entering a new chapter. He was a source of strength for countless individuals and families.

Beginning in May 2017, Raymond volunteered with the Special Olympics, championing inclusion and celebrating the accomplishments of athletes with disabilities. From June 2017 onward, he served as Social Director at The ARC of Central Pennsylvania, dedicating his time and energy to building community, organizing events, and ensuring that individuals felt seen, valued, and included. Earlier in his life, while living in New Jersey, he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter, once again answering the call to protect and serve.

In recent years, Raymond rejoined the workforce, working at Sam's Club in the Auto Care Center, specializing in tire sales, and later at Walmart in the Lawn and Garden Center. He took pride in helping customers honestly and thoroughly, often going beyond what was required simply because he believed in doing right by people.

Raymond was an avid New York Rangers and New York Mets fan and also ran a small eBay business selling sports memorabilia and trading cards, connecting with fellow fans and collectors who shared his enthusiasm.

In his youth, Raymond was an avid ice hockey player, a sport that reflected his competitive spirit, toughness, and love of teamwork-qualities that remained with him throughout his life.

Raymond's love for ice hockey came full circle when he proudly coached his son Salvatore's hockey team. He brought the same passion, toughness, and belief in perseverance to the rink that defined his own life. More than teaching the fundamentals of the game, he taught teamwork, discipline, and resilience - lessons that extended far beyond the ice. Coaching his son was one of his greatest joys, and it reflected the deep pride he had in his children.

Above all, Raymond was devoted to his family. He is survived by his sons, Dominick and Salvatore; his mother, Marilyn Santa Maria; his sister, Susan; his granddaughter, Emma; his nephews, Michael, Joseph, Ronney, Anthony, and Robert; his nieces, Christina, Janine, Jennifer, and Jawana; his brother-in-law, Ronney; and many cherished grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as his many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Dominick; his sister, Lisa; and his brother-in-law, Jay.

Raymond will be remembered for his strength, his conviction, and the way he showed up for others again and again. Beneath his determined exterior was a true heart of gold. He loved deeply, stood firmly for what he believed in, and never stopped fighting - not for himself and not for the people he cared about.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all of those whose lives he touched.

Let it be known that he fought until the final bell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 28th at 2pm in the Divine Mercy Parish at St. Joseph's Church 312 Davis St, Scranton, PA 18505 by Rev. Paul A. McDonnell, O.S.J., pastor.

Friends may call Saturday morning from 10:00am to 1pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash Street, Scranton.

As per Rocky's wishes, cremation in the Lake Region Crematory at the James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the CMT Foundation, or The ARC of Central Pennsylvania.