Mr Sante Righini: A Titanic Servant’s Tragic Tale

Mr Sante Righini was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Italian servant who lost his life in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Pisignano, Cervia, Italy, Righini’s journey from a small Italian town to the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic is a poignant story of immigration, service, and ultimately, sacrifice.

Early Life and Immigration to America

What was Sante Righini’s background?

Sante Righini was born on November 19, 1883, in Pisignano, Cervia, Italy. He was the son of Giuseppe Righini and his wife Gertrude, and had an elder sister named Emma, born on November 15, 1875. Righini’s early life in Italy laid the foundation for his eventual journey to America.

How did Sante Righini come to the United States?

Sante Righini’s path to America was influenced by his sister Emma’s earlier immigration:

Emma immigrated to the USA in 1895
In 1903, Emma married Frederick Wenger, a Swiss-born insurance broker
The Wengers settled at 265 89th Street, Brooklyn, New York

Inspired by his sister’s move, Sante followed suit:

Departed from Naples, Italy
Arrived in New York on December 3, 1903, aboard the Palatia
Initially described as an unmarried laborer

Life in America and Career as a Servant

How did Righini establish himself in the United States?

After settling in Brooklyn, Righini took steps to make America his permanent home:

Declared intention to naturalize as a US citizen on November 30, 1910
Described as a valet in naturalization documents
Physical description: 5'5" tall, 145 lbs, brown hair and eyes, dark complexion
Last foreign residence: Rome
Current residence at the time: 109 West 54th Street, New York City

What was Righini’s occupation?

Sante Righini worked as a servant, specifically as a valet. While the exact timing is uncertain, he eventually entered the employ of Mrs. John Stuart White, a wealthy American passenger on the Titanic.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

How did Righini come to be on the Titanic?

Righini boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as part of Mrs. John Stuart White’s entourage, which included:

Mrs. Ella Holmes White (his employer)
Nellie Bessette (Mrs. White’s maid)
Marie Grice Young (Mrs. White’s friend)

The group traveled under a joint ticket, number 17760, which cost £135 12s 8d.

What class did Righini travel in?

Despite being a servant, Righini was traveling in First Class accommodations, likely due to his association with Mrs. White.

Tragic Fate and Recovery

What happened to Sante Righini during the Titanic disaster?

Sadly, Sante Righini did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. He perished in the early hours of April 15, 1912, at the young age of 28 (twenty-eight).

Was Righini’s body recovered?

Yes, Righini’s body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, designated as body number 232. The recovery report provided the following details:

NO. 232. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 33. HAIR, DARK; SLIGHT MOUSTACHE. CLOTHING- Black pants; grey overcoat, marked “Sante.” EFFECTS- Ring “R. S.,” left on finger.

Final Journey and Remembrance

How was Righini’s body returned and laid to rest?

The process of returning Righini’s remains followed these steps:

Body returned to Halifax, Nova Scotia
Identified and shipped to New York under the care of his brother-in-law, Frederick Wenger
Funeral service held at his sister’s home at 265 89th Street in Brooklyn on May 4, 1912
Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, New York (section: Nazareth, lot 4304)

How was Righini remembered?

A death notice, presumably placed by his employer Mrs. White, appeared in the New York Times on May 4, 1912:

REGHINI(sic)—At sea, April 15, on steamship Titanic, Sante Reghini(sic), faithful and trusted servant in the employ of Mrs. J. Stuart White. Funeral at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Frederick Wagner(sic), 265 89th Street, Brooklyn, Saturday, May 4, at 2 o’clock.

This notice highlights the esteem in which Righini was held by his employer, describing him as a “faithful and trusted servant.”

Legacy and Family

Sante Righini’s tragic story is intertwined with that of his sister Emma, who continued to live in Brooklyn after his death. Emma later passed away in Philadelphia on August 21, 1959. Today, brother and sister rest together in Evergreen Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the Titanic’s impact on families and the countless personal stories behind the disaster.