Frank Dominic Santelia | Raleigh News & Observer

Frank Dominic Santelia, 77, of Morrisville, died on November 7, 2014.

Frank was a native Philadelphian with strong Italian roots. He was a very creative and passionate man, who loved his family and grandchildren dearly. He was very talented musically and artistically. At an early age, Frank mastered the Hawaiian guitar and joined a band. He often enamored many with his poetic play on guitar strings and eloquent voice. Frank’s artistic talents landed him several scholarship of which he applied towards his bachelor’s degree from the Philadelphia Museum of Art School.

Upon graduation, Frank entered the advertising world as a commercial artist. He quickly rose to creative art director for several high ranking ad agencies. Frank is remembered and highly respected for his creative direction on the Dodge “Ram Tough” campaign and for his creative contribution to Panasonic’s 1988 Summer Olympic sponsorship and branding. Frank retired from Panasonic’s US Headquarters in 1988 as their Senior Creative Art Director. He used his retirement time to love his family and his grandchildren and to perpetuate his creative spirit. It was not uncommon to find him tucked away in his room working on a variety of intricate airplane and train models and to see him pull a few chords from his guitar. If Frank was not in his room creating art, he was rewiring or rebuilding his high tech audio equipment. He was considered an Audiophile, having a great love for all music and his audio equipment. Above all else, he loved his wife and soul mate Robin who was always by his side during the best and roughest years of Frank’s life.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Robin Santelia; two children, Mark Santelia (Kristy), and Kimberly Gallagher (Jeffrey); six grandchildren, Drake and Skye Santelia, and Michael, Christopher, Emma and Jack Gallagher; brother, Richard Santelia (Carol); nephew, Michael Santelia (Rebecca); and great-nephew, Rossi Santellia. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Angleo and Rose Santelia.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 11 at 11:00am at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd, Cary, NC. Interment will follow at Wake Memorial Park. Condolences may be made online at www.apexfuneral.net