Anthony "Tony" Santillo

Funeral Services for Anthony Martin Santillo, known to many as “Tony” will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana. Deacon Dwayne Joubert will officiate the services. Rite of Committal and interment will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington.

Visitation will begin on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening in the funeral home. The funeral home will reopen on Saturday, January 9, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Tony is survived by his siblings: Stephen Santillo, Kathleen Santillo, and Chief Master Sergeant USAF (retired) Michael Santillo and his wife Patty, his nieces Isabella Santillo, Celia Vinturella, and Madison Bertaut, his niece and godchild Taylor Santillo Whittaker, and his nephews Nico Vinturella, Kyle Santillo, Sean Bertaut and Stevie Hartman. He is also survived by great nieces and nephew: Gianni and Sophie Niccolini, Louella and Nellie Whittaker, many loving cousins and one Aunt, Jeannie Soileau.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Vitus Anthony and Louella Soileau Santillo; his paternal grandparents, Anthony and Josephine Santillo, and his maternal grandparents Martin and Leola Soileau.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Santillo, Michael Santillo, Patrick Fontenot, Carl Latiolais, Benjamin Fontenot, and Nico Vinturella. Honorary pallbearers will be Rocky Bellard, Tony Lacy and Bobby Lacy.

Over the past three decades, Tony was well respected in the advertising and marketing industry as a trusted, reliable copywriter through his business, Santillo Creative Services. Although somewhat reclusive, he was able to build long-lasting relationships and a solid network of business connections. He worked with some of the area’s most successful marketing and design firms including Bizzuka, BBR Creative, Comit Technologies, Davis Partners, Graham Group, Mesh Design, Pavy Studio, Prejean Creative, Right Angle and Sides and Associates. He was currently working with BBR Creative and Pavy Studio at the time of his passing.

Tony received numerous Addy awards from the Acadiana Advertising Federation over the years and was awarded Copywriter of the Year, Electronic Producer of the Year, Best of Show Print and three awards for Best of Show Electronic.

Tony was a gourmet cook and delighted friends and family with his Italian-Cajun influenced recipes. His yearly delivery of hand-made cookies to agency partners was a tradition that everyone looked forward to.

A dedicated sports fan, Tony found great joy in cheering on the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. His enthusiasm for these teams was a reflection of his spirited personality, as he engaged with family and friends in lively discussions.

Beyond sports, Tony was known to immerse himself in the world of literature, being an avid reader. He cherished the stories and knowledge that books provided, often sharing his latest discoveries with those around him. Additionally, he delighted in watching old movies, finding solace and inspiration in the classics.

Tony will be remembered not only for his hobbies but also for the warmth and kindness he extended to those in his life. His presence will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Tony was especially devoted to his late mother, Louella, and his sister, Kathleen, who will miss him more than words can say.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA, 70570 (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.