Olga DeSantis

Olga (Honey) DeSantis, Bound Brook

Olga (Honey) DeSantis (nee Uken), 88, died peacefully at her home in Bound Brook on March 7, 2025. She was the last surviving member of the DeSantis family that owned the Brass Rail Tavern in Bound Brook for more than sixty years.

Nicknamed “Honey” by her father, Olga was the first child born to Henry Uken and Olga Uken (nee Radkovich). During her teenage years, she spent hours roller skating with her best friends, Gail and Anita, and won medals in precision and figure skating at the Academy Roller Rink in Plainfield. In 1954, she graduated from North Plainfield High School and was accepted at Rutgers University but did not attend.

From 1954-55, she worked in the accounting office at the Grange League Federation, a vital organization that sold seeds, feed, and farm equipment to the many farmers in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

On June 11, 1955, Olga married Lawrence DeSantis and worked at the Brass Rail for the next 37 years. The DeSantis family owned this historic tavern in Bound Brook’s West End for sixty years and delighted in the friends they made there.

Olga was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Lawrence DeSantis; parents, Olga and Henry Uken; in-laws, Jean and Joseph DeSantis, and Blandina and Joseph (Red) DeSantis.

She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl DeSantis, a former Somerset County Municipal Court Judge; her daughter, Robyn DeSantis Ringler (Bob), a lawyer and nurse who tended to President Ronald Reagan after the assassination attempt in 1981; her beloved granddaughter, Lily Ringler; brothers David (Jean) Uken and Arthur Uken and their families; niece, Lynn Harac; and nephew, Joseph DeSantis, Jr.

The family sincerely thanks members of the Bound Brook community, particularly neighbors, Pete and Rita Kott, for their loving care and devoted friendship.

Gathering with the family will be Thursday, March 13th from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Hagan-Chamberlain, Bound Brook. Funeral services are private. Memorial donations may be made to Borough of Bound Brook EMS, 230 Hamilton St., Bound Brook, NJ.

All arrangements are under the care and supervision of Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home.