January 2, 1956 – February 8, 2025
NAGS HEAD — Thomas “Tommy” DeSanto, 69, departed his earthly body on February 8, 2025. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA he was the eldest child of four children to Vince and Connie DeSanto. He graduated from one of the oldest boy’s schools in the country, Roman Catholic High School for Boys, where he studied Latin and was an altar boy. He went on to attend Combs Music College, also in Philadelphia.
A gifted musician, Tommy spent the next 16 years on the road, playing his guitar and entertaining. He began his musical career by playing back-up to Danny & the Juniors, residing in Southern California, and once performed with them on “The Midnight Special”. Other famous acts he backed up included Chubby Checker and Franki Valli. He joined the band Free N Easy and performed with them internationally, mainly at military bases, in Greenland, Iceland, and Aruba. He later played with the band Gypsy, and then High Rise, working the entertainment circuit. Both bands had regular bookings in Atlantic City including Billy’s Pub in Caesars Casino. High Rise was based in Orlando, FL and it was during one of his Florida trips that he first met his soon to be wife, Becky.
Tommy and Becky were married in 1989 on the ocean front at the Village Beach Club in Nags Head, NC. The couple lived in Atlanta, GA but vowed to make the Outer Banks their home one day, which they would years later. While in Atlanta, Tommy found a musical soulmate, Betty Seni, and the two performed together for the next 13 years under the title, Seni & DeSanto.
It was also in Georgia that Tommy and Becky started their family with the birth of their first and only child, Jesse. Jesse and his father would become the best of friends. The two enjoyed many hours together coaching and playing baseball in Tucker, GA and eventually here at Manteo High School when the family moved to Nags Head in 2005.
Tommy fell in love with the Outer Banks. He attended the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church and when he first moved here, helped the youth form a praise band. Eventually, he found the music community and joined Rick Oslund’s band, The Crowd. He also played locally with Bill Rhea and Doug Dino as The Other Brothers. He thoroughly enjoyed his life here at the beach and if you knew Tommy, you knew his laugh.
Tommy suffered numerous physical set- backs and resided for the last 4 years at Peak Resources. His family will forever be grateful for the outstanding care and love that was given by the staff every day, as well as the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center in Manteo who took care of him 3 times a week. “Blessed are the caregivers, for theirs is the kingdom of God.”
Tommy was blessed with a granddaughter, Georgia, in 2024. He had the opportunity to hold her and beamed at her every time she visited.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years Becky, his son Jesse, daughter-in-law Tracey, and granddaughter Georgia. He also leaves behind his siblings Dennis (Sue) DeSanto, Debbie (Jimmy) Ceneviva, and Vinny (Linda) DeSanto.
A gathering to celebrate Tommy will be planned for the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
