We welcome friends and family to submit your fondest thoughts and memories of Sam, or your condolences to his family, so that we might add them to a list of tributes to share with all who visit our web site. To do so, simply complete a Memorial Tribute form and submit it to us. We will post your tribute as soon as possible.


Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Sam was a great guy. I knew Sam from being a member at Lincoln firehouse. He was a good teacher about a lot of things, but the best thing about Sam was he was a good friend. The thing that was the best about him was that he could be really serious one minute, and then clowning around the next. I liked that! I will miss him!! I am very sorry for your loss... GOD BLESS!!!

Jim Mondzak
jbmonz@verizon.net


Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. We remember the good times we had. His love of lemon meringue pie at our house. Also the time he was trying to start the farmer's car with his blue Ford convertible. His battery exploded while doing a good favor. Also the time when we all got toy boxes for our kids from mom and dad and the calls till late at night when he was trying to put it together.

Ann and Jim Steckel
jsteck@thevillages.net


Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Dear Jo Anne and family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I understand what you are going through and wanted to share something with you that often helps me through the tough times.

THE BROKEN CHAIN

We little knew that morning that God would call your name
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide
And though we cannot see you, you are always by our side
Our Family Chain is Broken, and Nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one
THE CHAIN WILL LINK AGAIN

Michele Damato
Michele73@aol.com


Wednesday, March 2, 2005

It is hard to start the day knowing someone like Uncle Sam has passed on. I know how much he meant to not only his family, but also those in the community. Stories my cousin Sam has told me about his dad and my memories from when I was a kid will always stay with me. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, Jo Anne, and to my cousins, Celeste and Sam and all of their kids. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ann Patricia Steckel
aps280@yahoo.com


Wednesday, March 2, 2005

With Deep Sympathy,
In this time of loss and sadness, may your heart be filled with wonderful memories of love.

Roger
az_maverick26@yahoo.com


Wednesday, March 2, 2005

We will truly miss our great friend Sam. Many years we enjoyed his company at games, races, and gatherings.

Jim, Jamie, and Janelle Keim
jkeim@nni.com


Thursday, March 3, 2005

I only met Sam once so I may not really qualify to be able to write anything here, but I just wanted to say I am very sorry. I could tell Sam was a good guy just the way he put me at ease,with his great sense of humor and straight from the hip comments. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to spend more time with him. Please send my deepest sympathy to your great family.

Sincerely,
Sean Patrick Malloy
Svengalim@yahoo.com


Thursday, March 3, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy to JoAnne, Laurie, Jordan and all of Sam's family and loved ones. It was very hard to see Sam suffering so, but you can all be assured that Sam was guided home holding the hand of Jesus. Sam had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior before going home and you can all be at peace knowing that he lives again.

All My Love in Christ Jesus,
Jeannie Vincovich
celebrationbarn@rcn.com


Thursday, March 3, 2005

Thank you to all who came to my dad's viewing tonight. No one could mistake the fact that my father had a lot of good friends and family. I was amazed at the line that just never seemed to end tonight. I know my dad would have had the greatest time seeing all of you! I only wish that we had more time together....life sometimes is unfair that way.

I will miss you, Dad! I love you!
Your daughter, Celeste and grandchildren, Jon, Paul & Brianna.
cmillheim65@yahoo.com


Friday, March 4, 2005

Where do I begin as I have close to 30 years of memories of Sam. I met Jo Anne and we became great friends shortly after she had met Sam. Soon after, I met my husband, John and the four of us became close friends. We celebrated many birthday parties, Christmas get-togethers, and New Year's Eves along with sporting events (the guy's idea) in the years that have passed so quickly. As I reflect back this week on Sam, one occasion keeps coming to my mind. When John died 12 years ago, it was Sam who put his arm around me and walked me up to John's casket so I could say my final goodbye. Sam was big and strong but yet so compassioned as he held me so tight. Now he has gone to Heaven and I'm sure he will see his good friend, John and maybe they can have a beer together and reflect on the good times they had on earth and the many many friends and family who loved them.

Marlene White Kinney
marlene@rcn.com


Friday, March 4, 2005

I first met Sam through my sister, Jeanette, when he was a senior at Phillipsburg High School. He was on the P'burg varsity basketball team and I remember attending many basketball games he played against my school, Sts. Philip and James. He was a fantastic basketball player and my school team usually lost (but not by much)!

My family, consisting of many aunts, uncles and cousins and I shared many a good time with Sam at our summer cottage along the Delaware. We all loved to play cards and used to play until the wee hours. Of course my sister and I used to beat at penny poker--we had a system. We sat Sam in front of a window so we could see his hand! As trusting as he was, we got away with this for some time. I do believe our giggles gave us up.

I extend my sincere sympathy to my niece and nephew and their families. Sometimes life isn't easy; however, I truly believe we will be rewarded in Heaven for what we have suffered on Earth. Sam is in heaven.

Mary Durnin Rupell
Mary.Rupell@dhs.state.nj.us


Friday, March 4, 2005

When I think of Sam, I think of someone who had a good sense of humor and liked to laugh. He could joke and make a good time. Sam loved his kids and grand kids. He shared his love of fun with them. Sam, Jr. told me how brave his father was during his years of illness. He accepted it with the grace he had during his good times. Truly, he taught Sam how to face passing on to his new life. Although it's sad, I have peace knowing "Big S am" is in a better place.

My sincere sympathy to Sam, Celeste and their children, to Jo Anne and family. I lift you up in my prayer.
Eleanor Durnin, Aunt El
wleanor@suscom.net



Tuesday, March 8, 2005

I hope Jo Anne, Laurie, Jordan and all of Sam's friends find this poem comforting. It was writen by a friend of mine.

Lori Meglic
lorimeglic@aol.com



THE FIFTH SEASON

In the Spring of life
In the bloom of youth,
Everything is bright and new.

In the Summer of life
Time of growth and change,
Each day brings new dreams to pursue.

In the Autumn of life,
Theres a settling down
Contentment and sureness in what we do.

In the Winter of life,
Comes peace and wisdom.
Time to relax and reminisce too.

But with the passing of these seasons,
Life is still not done, not through,
For there is another season,
When each spirit is renewed.

And it is in this calm fifth season
In its hopeful second Spring
A time of cleansing and rebirth
A time of new awakening.

Each persons life will come full circle
Even as the seasons do,
To start another, different life
Much better than the one we knew.




Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Dear JoAnne, Lauri and Jordan:

Thank you for this opportunity for me to comment on the passing of Sam. I hope that as time goes by that you will be able to handle his passing with less grief and remember all the wonderful things he did for you and the good times that you shared. I think of you often and pray for you. I wish that I could have been there for you in your time of need but know that you have many friends that were there for you.

I have mailed my donation to the VNA Hospice.

Sincerely, with much love and prayers,
Alexandria (Alex) Dale
andale@sandia.gov