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
Carol,Victor and Josie,and family’s:
My thoughts are with you .So hard to say goodbye..but so comforting to think of all the beautiful “hello’s” he gave and received in his lifetime.
Avec Amour Pam Miller
Dear Carol and family,
You have our deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful person.
We hope it gives you comfort to know that a man with a good soul lives through his family forever.
We are very sorry for your loss,
Teresa & Art Vopni
Sam we miss you so much. You have been a very best friend. and We will always remember your kindness,you r unshakeable friendship. You the Godfather to our Grand-daughter Caroline have been an inspiration to so many people. God has taken you home to rest in peace. Watch over us knowing how much we love you.
Betty-Anne and Alex Pap
My deepest sympathies to you Carol and your family.
Sam was a wonderful, warm and talented man. What a loss!
Sincere condolences from all the Widmers.
Thinking of you, Mary Widmer
Dear Carol and Family, Memories you have all shared together and you will have plenty,they will help you all in the days ahead…love Dot.xxx
Dear Ryan & family,
I am thinking of you and your loss. Your father was a good man. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
To Carol and family
Baz will miss you smile and friendship for the last 30 years he will certainly be missed
Hugs and prayers
Baz & Winnie
A truly gentle-man. A wonderful boss. A great friend.
Carol and family we mourne the loss of Sam with you.
Dear Carol and Family,
Missing my high note quartet comrade, sweet smiler and Amigo in Mexico.
Warmest wishes to all of you as you experience this time of loss and peace for Sam.
Love Always
Doug & Lynne Smith
Carissimi cugini,ci uniamo a voi in questo dolore ,Sam resterà sempre nei nostri cuori.abbrscciamo soprattutto Carolina , preghiamo Dio di dargli la forza per andare avanti.