Semco CEO Satch Santilli passes away aged 63
Heavy equipment dealership co-founder and CEO has died suddenly before the New YearSemco Equipment Sales, distributor of Takeuchi equipment in Australia, has announced the sudden passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Silvano ‘Satch’ Santilli, on December 29, 2023. He was 63 years old.
Santilli co-founded Semco in 1994 with Peter Esse and Graham Murphy, following a management buyout of a construction equipment dealership equipment at St Marys, New South Wales. The company is known as Japanese brand Takeuchi’s distributor for most of Australia.
Santilli worked in the construction industry for over 40 years and was highly respected and loved by his industry colleagues for his hard work, integrity and honesty, while at times being outrageously funny and entertaining.
“Satch’s thoroughly professional approach was underscored by wonderful humour and goodwill in all transactions and negotiations,” said Semco directors, Peter Esse and Graham Murphy.
“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.”
Semco will celebrate its 30th anniversary in May 2024. The legacy and vision for the future left by Santilli will be continued by Semco’s management team as well as the company’s staff across its sales and service centres in Sydney, Newcastle, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Semco dealers in South Australia and Tasmania.
Satch Santilli's funeral will be held at 11am on Friday, January 12 at Our Lady of Victories Church in Horsley Park, NSW.
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