Richard  DeSantola, 60, of Staatsburg and formerly of Mt. Vernon, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.  Born June 8, 1961, in Mt. Vernon, Rich was the son of Arthur and Marie De Melfi DeSantola. His father predeceased him, and his mother survives in Pleasant Valley.  As a young man, Mr. DeSantola proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout and went on to graduate from Iona College and attend St. Joseph's Seminary at Dunwoodie. He taught religion and history at Good Counsel and Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Rich was also a longtime permanent substitute teacher for the Arlington School District.  A communicant of Regina Coeli Church in Hyde Park, his faith was especially important to him. Rich always enjoyed singing and was a part of the church's choir. He grew up in St. Ursula's parish in Mt. Vernon.  Rich was always active in parish life, had a generous spirit, and was part of several parish mission teams over the years. He was also a 4th Degree Knight with Hyde Park Knights of Columbus Council #6111.  He enjoyed bowling and was the former secretary of the Sunday Night Mixed League at Mardi-Bob Bowling Lanes in Poughkeepsie. (which is where he met his wife, Laurie)  On November 1, 2014, in Regina Coeli Church, he married the former Laurie Becker Murray. His wife survives at home in Staatsburg.  In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his stepdaughter, Alyssa J. Murray, of Staatsburg; brother, Alan DeSantola and wife, Maria, of Washingtonville; sister, Dawn La Selva and husband, Leonard, of New Windsor; sister, Cheryl DeSantola, of Pleasant Valley; brother, Timothy DeSantola, and wife, Marialena, of Wappingers; many nieces and nephews; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.  In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Shawn Wonderly; and his nephew (and godson), Michael La Selva.  Calling hours will be from 4 – 7 PM, Monday, January 3rd at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. The Knights of Columbus will conduct a service during the visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Morris at 10 AM, Tuesday, January 4th at Regina Coeli Church, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. To livestream the mass, please visit www.reginacoelihydepark.com .  Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.  To send a donation to help the family defray funeral expenses, please visit https://www.fundafamily.com/Family.aspx?ID=849 .  To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Rich's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com .