With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sam, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, best friend and mentor. At the age of 78, Sam passed peacefully at home, as was his final wish, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by the love of his life, Carolina, married 52 years. Sadly, missed by daughter Jett (Bert), son Ryan (Daniela) and son Stefano. Grandfather to Tawni (Scott) and Dylan (Danielle) and great grandfather to Quintin, Cayden, Kaylee and Kane. Brother to Victor (Joanne), Joe (Susan), Josie (Tony) and his very close friend Rob. He was predeceased by his parents, Giovanna and Francesco.
Born February 6, 1941 in Villagrazia, Sicily and immigrated to Winnipeg in 1952. In 1961, he met Carolina Cantafio at a church event and they married 5 years later. They welcomed their first child, Jett, followed by Ryan and then Stefano. The whole family moved to Sooke in 1980, opened Salvatore’s Hair Salon and quickly became beloved members of the community.
In Winnipeg, Sam was a member of the Optimist Club. In Sooke, he was involved with Stage West Players in a variety of roles; actor, director, playwright, producer and stylist. Stage West recently made him an honorary lifetime member. He was a longtime lodge member of the Sooke Freemasons, also acting as Master Mason. In Victoria, he was involved in the Victoria Operatic Society, a Victoria Barbershop Chorus member, along with several quartets.
Sam was a dedicated, loyal and selfless man with the patience of a saint. You could always rely on him to warm up any room with a friendly smile and had a sense of humour all his own. He will be greatly missed by many but will live on in our hearts.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 3:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, officiated by Gordon Thurston and Erik Trovall.
Our service today is being live stream. If you are unable to attend, please click on the link below.
The entire family would like to convey our deepest gratitude to the staff on 4 South and the Home Dialysis Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria Hospice and Home and Community Care Nursing. Special thanks to Dr. Saunders, Dr. Weir and Dr. Maskey for your compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to one of the following; Victoria Hospice or the Kidney Foundation of Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
62 Responses
Dear Carol and family; We are so sorry for your loss. Sending peace, love and blessings as you grieve for Sam.
Carol and Family,
I am very saddened to hear the news of Sam leaving this world. He will always be in our hearts and will always live in our memories. I will always remember Sam as a gentle and kind man who always had a warm smile on his face. This world will not be the same without him and I will miss him.
Todd Olynyk
That smile and chuckle are ingrained in my head! He was a kind and gentle spirit with a fabulous sense of humor! He leaves an irreplaceable void, but our memories are robust! He will never be forgotten. My love to All of my cousins, aunts, & uncles. I will miss you Uncle Sam. Your loving niece.
Dear Carol and family – My deepest condolences on the loss of Sam. He was a great friend in all the years I have known him and I will always remember him fondly. I wish you strength and courage in the days ahead. Jerry Van Ek
To Carol, family and friends
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Sam. I have known Sam for 26 years, and in all that time my most consistent memory is of his gentle nature and beautiful smile.
Dearest Carol,
I cannot begin to imagine how devastating it is to not have Sam by your side, your best friend, your partner and your lover. I’m sure there are no words to describe the loss, like half of you is missing. Sam was always utterly generous and kind, filled with love of life and that glorious smile that made everyone feel special and loved. Jason and Trevor and Colin each have wonderful memories of his quiet and steady presence. And then the videos of his singing. Oh my, he will be missed by so many who loved him.
Sending you love and courage as you face life without your dearest man. He was a gentle prince.
Nancy
Carol & Family, My heart & thoughts go out to you & all who have been touched by this wonderful man. He has left his mark on me for my lifetime, as he has to others who have had the pleasure of knowing him. I’m in the country of his birth until Feb. & will miss the gathering, but today I give a toast to a great human being. Salute Salvatore, Ken Pungente
Carol,
Our thoughts are with you and the family at this very difficult time. Sam was such an inspiration to so many and it is difficult to let go of such a beautiful man. Each person has their own special memories of Sam to cherish and so his spirit lives on…
While it is not easy to be thankful at a time like this, we hope you will find comfort in the knowledge that Sam’s life was so enriched by all those who loved him, and you are so fortunate to have shared his journey.
Hugs from Heather, Rob & Lois
Dear Carol and family
We all loved working in theatre with your wonderful, kind husband, we will always remember his smile and the direction he brought to VOS. He always had time to help out when ever asked, I will miss having him come to our church, for our fund raisers.
Take good care of yourself Carol, I will be in touch.
Dear Carol and family I wished we could be with you on this difficult time our sincere condolences to you and your family from us all love cousins Carol Mario and family