Mr. Samuel V. "Sam" Paolozzi, Jr.

NORTH UTICA - Mr. Samuel V. “Sam” Paolozzi, Jr., age 79, went home to his Lord as he passed away on Friday, June 15, 2018 with his wife and daughters by his side. Born in Utica on March 28, 1939, Samuel was the son of the late Samuel “Chuck” and Mary “Marie” (Malek) Paolozzi. He attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy/Class of 1956. Sam was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He was able to see the world and honorably serve his country as a Radio Operator aboard several air craft carriers. On October 14, 1967 he married the former Judith “Judy” Asselta with whom he shared 50 years. He absolutely adored her and they had a wonderful life. Sam was employed by the United States Postal Service, Pitcher Street Main Branch as a mailman. His deliveries were made in a timely fashion to his East and North Utica routes, and he retired in 1994. Concurrently, Sam served spirits as co-owner of Ponti’s Grill, where he loved his patrons. This is a story of a good and honest man. He loved his family and they were #1. He never gave his loved ones a reason to worry. He was a devoted husband, outstanding dad, and a beloved grandfather. He was humble and dependable. In essence, Sam was a lucky man, who lived a simple life. Sam was a league golfer, a sport he enjoyed especially when he was on the fairway with his wife. He was a sports enthusiast and rooted for the Yankees, Giants, and Rangers. He was a guy who enjoyed his home, but some winters he spent in Florida which brightened his spirits. Sam was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church and a devout Catholic and that was the foundation of his life. Sam is survived by his wife, Judy; his children and their loves, Susan and Donald MacMaster, and Rhonda Paolozzi and fiancé Bill Hajdasz; grandchildren, Scott MacMaster and fianceé Sarah Smith, Stephanie MacMaster; and Nicholas Briggs; and his great-grandchild, Samantha “Sammi” MacMaster. He also leaves his sisters and brother-in-law, Marguerite “Marge” and Steve Cimino, and Elsie Marshall; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene and Sue Paolozzi, Frank Paolozzi, William and Kay Paolozzi, and Vincent and Joan Paolozzi; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law Patricia Bonomo and her daughter Gina. Sam and Judy were blessed with a multitude of friends who meant the world to them. He was grateful to them for all the great times which were never forgotten. He was predeceased by his brother, Reverend Joseph L. Paolozzi; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Frances Asselta; and brother-in-law, Marvin “Duke” Marshall. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, 4th & 2nd Floors, who were so kind and comforting and the numerous physicians who tended to Sam with sensitivity and compassion; and Fr. Joe Salerno who administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The family will commemorate Sam’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Samuel’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Samuel V. "Sam" Paolozzi, Jr.

March 28, 1939 - June 15, 2018