Satch Santilli, CEO of Semco Equipment Sales, has passed away unexpectedly on December 29, aged 63.
A larger-than-life industry figure who made a massive impact throughout his forty years in the industry, Satch’s presence will be deeply missed. He was highly respected and loved, even by industry rivals and competitors. He will be fondly remembered by customers, suppliers and industry associates for his reputation for hard work, integrity and honesty, while at times being outrageously funny and entertaining.
Semco was founded in 1994 following a management buyout of a construction equipment dealership equipment at St Marys, NSW by Satch Santilli, Peter Esse and Graham Murphy, which grew into being the Takeuchi distributor for most of Australia.
Semco directors Peter Esse and Graham Murphy said, “Satch’s thoroughly professional approach was underscored by wonderful humour and goodwill in all transactions and negotiations. He was a well-grounded person who respected humanity and had a genuine care for everyone in the ‘Semco family,’ as well sincere consideration for everyone he met.
“He had the common touch; a unique persona that was a mix of helpful, down to earth and humorous. He was always generous with his time, support and sound advice for anyone who was starting out in the earthmoving business. Also rare was his warm welcome for anyone who came through the door and just wanted to chat. This amazing readiness to engage with people at all levels quickly became one of the cornerstones of the Semco success.
“Satch genuinely treated all the staff at Semco as extended family, which produced an enormous level of cooperation, trust and purpose within the company and has been a major contributor to its success,” they said.
Semco will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary this May. The legacy and vision for the future left by Satch will be continued under the management team and the highly experienced Semco staff throughout its own sales and service centres in Sydney, Newcastle, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Semco dealers in South Australia and Tasmania.
The funeral for Satch Santilli is being held at 11.00 am on Friday 12th of January at Our Lady of Victories Church, Horsley Park, NSW.
Silvano (Satch) Santilli 9/12/1960 – 29/12/2023
