Phillip H. Santamaria ’62

Phil came to Princeton from Lamar High School in Houston. As an undergraduate, he majored in biology, played freshman lacrosse, JV football, and served as an Orange Keyceptor. He was a member of Colonial Club and lived in the club his senior year. 

After attending medical school at Baylor University long enough to realize it was “not his calling,” Phil spent several years in the Texas National Guard as a medic. He then entered a 40-year, highly satisfying career in the securities industry, for a few years in New York City and the rest in Houston, working for Rotan Mosle, PaineWebber, and later UBS. He specialized in corporate and municipal bond underwriting, managing syndicate operations and participating in more than 80 underwritings over the course of his career. 

In retirement, Phil volunteered at the Christian Community Service Center food pantry and found great pleasure visiting family and friends, playing poker and bridge, and traveling with Carolyn, his wife of nearly 55 years. 

Phil died April 30, 2026, at home in Houston. He is survived by Carolyn; their three children, Catherine, Leslie and Michael; and grandchildren Alejandra and Enrique.