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 & Family
His smile and laugh will be missed by many.
He was a unique and wonderful person.
Our condolences to your family
Shelley & Derek Parussini
Sam will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Ron and I were two of the very lucky people who had that privilege. We would like to express our condolences to his wonderful family. We know how much he was loved by all and will be sorely missed.
Dear Carol and Family:
Madelaine and Kerry send our condolences and best wishes in your time of sorrow
Sorry we couldn’t get to the service due to weather and our aging nature
We did watch service on live stream and it was a lovely service.
Hope to see you in the future
Kind regards and Wishes
Kerry and Madelaine Burbridge
Carol and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. He meant so much to Al and Iona and to us. I will miss his twinkly (“I’m always up to something”) smile. All I keep thinking is that at least he and Al are whooping it up now up there, together again.
Lots of love.
Shera and Ian
Carol, Jeanette, Ryan, Stefano, Tawny and Dylan;
I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. Sam was a wonderful man, husband, brother and nonno. He will be missed so much by so many. I’m sorry I can’t be there in person today to celebrate him but will be following along the live stream.
Best, Morgan and Boyan
I had the Privilege Of being A Chapter In Sam And Carol Lives. Sam Was My Boss, My Mentor, My Friend
I Always Remember The Interview , Sam hired Me on the Spot , from there I was forever Blessed to Have this Wonderful Family in my Life. There Was So So Many Great Times , I Thank You Sam for when ever I Needed Advice you were Always There And Yes you were Always Right . I Thank you from the Bottom of my Heart And Carol for Everything So Much to mention. So Our hearts are heavy Today you will Forever be Missed . To the Pasta family Please Know Your in My Heart and Prayer
Dear Carol and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing, Sam will leave an empty spot on Earth but will brighten the heavens. Forever in our hearts.
Dear Carolina and family,
we are sorry for this sad news. Sam gave us a lot with his smile and tied our families together. His memory will remain forever in our hearts.
Let us pray for our Sam to watch over his family. A big hug to everybody.
Gioacchino’s family, mum Rosetta and my father Salvatore 🙁
Dear Carol and Family, thinking of you and sending love and prayers during your time of grief. Sam was such a wonderful being, full of delight, patience, song, and a touch of mischief. He was always kind and generous with his time when it came to theatrical endeavours. He loved the stage and transferred that love to anyone who was lucky enough to work with him. My last visit with him was a few years back when he was in the hospital. He was going through old family photos and sharing stories about his childhood. A whole new world of who “sam pasta” was opened up to me. I felt blessed to have shared those moments with him. He was loved by so many and will be equally grieved by many. My heart is heavy for you and your family, but know that he has left you with a lifetime of wonderful memories, much love, Marjorie Baskerville
Dear Carol and family.
I am so truly sorry for your loss. Deepest Condolences to you , your children and all the family.
Sandy Jarvis and my children Jason, Ben and Carleen