Don was born to Michael and Laura Santini in Clyde, New York, on August 26, 1939. At a young age, he moved with his parents and brother Michael to High Street in Fairport, New York. At the age of five, Don lost his father in a tragic accident. After the death of his father, Don's godparents, Willie and Jill Masserino, became the source of unwavering support during his childhood and beyond, with Willie serving as a father figure to him. It was Willie who brought sports into Don's life, teaching him how to play baseball and football, the latter becoming one of his lifelong passions. Don went on to play football throughout his youth, eventually playing for Coach Joe Cummings, whose dedication to his players and steadfast encouragement served as an inspiration for his desire to go into teaching and coaching. Don eventually attended SUNY College at Brockport, where he played football and majored in health and physical education. Both Willie and Coach Cummings provided the foundation for Don's commitment to pursuing his degree and educating and mentoring players and students throughout his life. 
 
Don's passion for football and desire to teach were an integral part of his youth and teenage years at Fairport, but Don's life would be changed forever while sitting in a classroom at Fairport High School on West Avenue. One day, a new student walked into his English class. Don turned to his friend Gary Stubbings and said, "She's going to be mine." The young student's name was Patti Lane from Amesbury, Massachusetts. It was love at first sight. Don and Pat began dating shortly after their first meeting. They dated through high school and college,  eventually marrying on June 22, 1963. Shortly after, Don and Pat moved to Morrisville, New York, where their family began to grow. Their daughter, Pam, was born in 1964, followed by their son Tom in 1965. In 1966, they moved to Leroy, New York, where their son, Michael, was born in 1974. In 1975, Pat and Don moved back to Fairport and raised their family in the community, where they had met nearly two decades before. After returning home, Don's career flourished. 
 
His distinguished football career began at Morrisville High School in 1963 as the head football coach. In 1966, he became the head coach for the football and track programs and a physical education teacher for the Leroy Central School District, where in 1966 he led the Oatkan Knights to their first undefeated season as coach. In 1975, he left Leroy Central School after he was hired as head football coach and physical education teacher at Fairport High School. At Fairport, his pregame speeches became legendary, and he coached the Red Raiders' football team to seven Section 5 championships and two state championships, with the 1991 team ranked 23rd in the country by USA Today. He later became an Athletic Director and remained in that position until his retirement. Although Don retired from his official capacity in 1999, his lifelong pursuit of teaching and mentoring led him to continue in administrative roles throughout Monroe County until 2019. He was also instrumental in establishing the New York State Football Coaches Association (NYHSFCA) in 1994 with eight other coaches. He eventually became the president of the NYHSFCA and was active in the organization until 2023. Don was inducted into several Hall of Fames and received numerous awards. Although Don continued to be involved in the football community after his retirement, his primary focus was his family.
 
In his later years, Don spent countless moments enjoying time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In 1992, Don became a grandfather for the first time to Tyler, followed by Jake, Makenzi, and Paige. He adored his grandchildren and it was evident in the way his eyes lit up and the smile came across his face when he was with them. It gave him great pride to cheer for each of them at their sporting events. Don also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on Canandaigua Lake, trips to South Carolina and Florida to visit cherished friends, family vacations to Plum Island, Massachusetts, trips to Europe with family and friends, and many drives and his Ford Mustang convertible to get ice cream with the love of his life, Pat. 
 
Don's legacy is felt throughout the Fairport community and beyond. The motivation that inspired him to become a coach, teacher, and mentor is evident in the impact he had on many students and players he encouraged and supported throughout his career. He will always be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Don's legacy also lives in his children and grandchildren, who learned the values of hard work, humility,  dedication to the community, respect, fairness, resilience, compassion, pride, strength, and above all – devotion to and love for family.

Don passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat; children Pam, Tom (Amy), and Michael (Michelle); grandchildren Tyler, Jake, Makenzi, and Paige; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael. 

To honor and continue Coach Santini's dedication to help young students, the Don Santini Foundation was established in his name to carry on his legacy. Please consider a donation to the foundation by mailing a contribution to:
 

Don Santini Foundation

PO BOX 10277

Rochester, NY 14610