Sam was born in Orrville Ohio in 1932 on Thanksgiving Day. He was raised on the family farm and was the oldest of four brothers. He grew up as a hard worker and also enjoyed participating in work at the farm raising vegetables, and at church, school and in sports. His love of his family has deep roots at the farm.
Sam attended Orrville High School, had good grades, played basketball and baseball. As a senior their basketball team made it to the State of Ohio Championship. Sam was the leading scorer in the game (but in a losing effort in the final game). He was always a good athlete, even into his later years playing golf, bowling and bocce ball at the Sons of Italy in Dayton. Sam was always a winner, ask any of his friends at the Xenia Senior Center, who attended the first Wednesday of the month lunch. Ask them who holds the record for the most door prizes won, that would be Sam. He has always enjoyed traveling, having family gatherings, and his favorite activity, dining out. Name any city or state in the country, and Sam will tell you the best place to eat.
He joined the Air Force in February 1952, and when his training was finished, Sam was at the top of his class, and was given the honor to serve stateside during his time in the Air Force. One of his duties was to train the crew of the B47 aircraft to arm atomic bombs while they were in flight.
He married his wife Allene in 1955, and together they raised a family of four children, and moved to Xenia in 1958. The family joined St. Brigid Church, and Sam joined the Xenia Knights of Columbus. He volunteered his time and talents to the church and to the Knights, working on fundraising for multiple charitable organizations. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he is a member of the Fourth Degree, a Grand Knight, District Deputy for six councils in this region. In 2022, Sam was given award from the K of C for outstanding service to the community.
At St. Brigid church and school, Sam served on their first Parish Council, was President of the Parents Club, President of the Boosters, served on the School Board, was a Eucharistic Minister. Sam was also a member of the American Legion, where he was the treasurer. He was named an honorary member of the Shriners, and volunteered at the Xenia Food Pantry.
Sam spent 30 years as a civilian employed by the Air Force, primarily at WPAFB. He was tasked to oversee logistics of the air defense and maintenance supplies all over the country. He served on a special task force in Washington DC, where he worked with the Pentagon, and assisted in preparing the Air Force budget that was submitted to Congress for approval.
He retired from WPAFB (as a civilian) as Deputy Director of Strategic Forces, at a grade of GM15, the highest grade for a civilian. He was given the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Award. His retirement ceremony similar to a military sendoff, with a color guard and generals in attendance. He was given the honor on having the American Flag flown over WPAFB for a day, an honor never before done for a civilian, and was presented the flag in gratitude for all his years of service and dedication.
His legacy was recorded in an interview for the Veterans History Project, that is now archived in the Library of Congress in Washington DC.