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,
My heart goes out to you during this very sad time of losing your beloved husband and a friend to many.He was loved by so many and his positive and kind energy made you believe yes I can do this with Gusto! Good night, goodnight Sam until we meet again. Adios, au revoir, Auf Wiedersehn til then, And though its always sweet sorrow to part, You know you’ll always remain in our hearts!
Dear Carol and Family
We are very sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to all at this sad time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Bill and Bernadette
To my wonderful sister in-law Carol and her wonderful family I would like to send my heart felt condolences to you and your family over the loss of Sam. Since the age of 14 he was always there for me. He was the most wonderful person I have ever met. I will miss you more than you will ever know. Until we meet again thank you for always being there for me. Loved forever and always in my heart
Sister in law Sue
Dear Carol and family
Sam Pasta; a more beautiful soul I’ve never met. Always a ready smile that took you in and made you feel welcome and special.
Sam touched my life through music, beginning with Victoria Village Squires. We shared brief time in a
quartet “Pasta Prime” with baritone Gerry Cox and base Ed Ford.
Sam let me share in the enjoyment of performing in “Our Fair Lady”, that he directed in Sooke.
Sam will forever occupy a very special place in my heart.
My condolences to you Carol and your family.
All that we want to say has already been said. Sam we loved you and have so much to thank you for, just by being yourself. Carol, stay strong and remember you have a multitude of friends who love you. Our thoughts are with you
Vance and Pasqualina Clarke and Family
Dear Carol and Family ,
So sorry to hear of Sam’s Passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. May he Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory,
Sincerely Cousins Pasqualina Vance and the girls
Dear Carol
Our deepest condolences to you and your family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Dear Carol and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Love your cousins Lucy, Pedro and Family
Dear Carol & Family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Hugs Kim Smail, Amanda & Allison
To the whole Pasta clan.
We are grateful to have known Sam and to have enjoyed many happy times with him and the rest of the family. Our children will continue that family friendship and Gentle Sam will never be forgotten.
Love and deepest condolences to you all
The Walsh/Stuart clan