Samuel F DePaola

Celebrating the Life of Samuel F. DePaola

(April 21, 1929 – March 6, 2026)

Samuel “Sammy” DePaola was born on April 21, 1929. He was the youngest of three children born to Italian immigrants, Giovanni and Gaetana DiPaolo.

At eleven years of age, he developed Rheumatic Heart Fever, with his physician stating that he wouldn’t make it past the age of twenty-one. He overcame this setback to defy the physician’s prognosis by living to the ripe old age of 96 years and 10 ½ months—just six weeks shy of his 97th birthday.

Sam was a renaissance man throughout his life. He took pride in succeeding, especially when others told him he would fail. He was a gifted athlete who accepted an athletic scholarship to play shortstop for LIU. He was a great defensive player, a solid contact hitter, and was lightning on the base paths. He hit a home run at Ebbets Field, but he was probably most proud of his base running and exceptionally strong throwing arm. He always had the green light and would steal bases at will, including home on more than a few occasions.

In 1951, the St. Louis Cardinals signed him to a minor league contract that included a $1,000 signing bonus. He traveled across the country and to parts of Canada, getting paid to play baseball for the next few years until he injured his arm.

He then began his second career as a teacher and married his high school sweetheart, Rose Corio, following an eight-year courtship. This was merely a prelude to an enduring love story of more than 70 years. They had two children, John and Diane; a daughter-in-law, Kate; and were later blessed with three wonderful grandsons, Sam, John-Erik, and Danny, and two precious great-grandchildren, Michael and Emilia.

When Sam retired from teaching in 1986, he did not let his golden years go to waste. He played tennis in the mornings, pick-up basketball at night, and joined at least three different travel softball leagues. He remained competitive and active in sports well into his eighties.

He was fortunate to enjoy 40 years of retirement with his family and friends. He enjoyed spending summers either in Wainscott or Upstate NY. He loved to travel and made it all the way to Avellino, Italy, where he was able to visit his extended family on his father’s side.

Sam was called “Good Neighbor Sam,” as he was always ready, willing, and able to help regardless of whether he had known a person for 50 years or 50 seconds. He would not hesitate to stop whatever he was doing to help someone in need and was a generous man, to say the least.

Although Sam is no longer with us physically, his generosity, kindness, and overall great character have left an indelible mark on all who were privileged enough to know him.

There are not enough words to properly convey how much Sam has meant to those around him, so let us pray for him to enjoy eternal peace with the Lord and the Holy Trinity. May we all remember Sam for his compassionate, kind, and generous soul, and may God bless him now and forever.

Bravo, Sam, for a life well lived. For all those who knew you, we will never forget you.