Samuel F DePaola

Celebrating the Life of Samuel F. DePaola 

(April 21, 1929 – March 6, 2026)

Samuel “Sammy” DePaola was born on the 21st of April, 1929. He was the youngest of three children 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, solid contact hitter and was lightning on the base paths. He hit a homerun 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 $1000 signing bonus. He traveled across the country and even 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, Diane and later came three wonderful grandsons, Sam, John-Erik and Danny, and 2 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 Avelino, 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 knew the person 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 has 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 and 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 and for all those who knew you, we will never forget you.