Samuel J. "Sam" Fiore

Mr. Samuel J. “Sam” Fiore, age 95, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, Inc. Born in West Winfield, NY on February 14, 1913, Samuel was the son of the late Joseph and Gaetana (Sassano) Fiore. He was raised and educated locally. On December 8, 1947 he married the former Rita J. Clocker at St. Ignatius Church in Baltimore. Sam and Rita were blessed with a loving union of 60 years. Sam was employed by the Textile Workers Union from 1938-1955 and the former Butchers & Meat Cutters Union Local #1 as a union representative from 1955 until his retirement in 1976. Sam was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was greatly loved in return. His family was the heart of his life, and he valued education, an attribute which he instilled in his children. He was a very liberal-minded individual who was extremely involved in local politics. Sam believed in the dignity of working men and women and had a strong sense of ethic morals and social values regarding justice and equality. He had a great love of his city and would often write editorials to the Observer-Dispatch. He served as president of the Central New York Labor Council from 1974-1980 and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Utica Municipal Housing Authority. In his younger years, Sam loved to play baseball and was on several area teams. He enjoyed spending time once a week having lunch with his friends. He also had a great appreciation for all types of music. He was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Sam is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughters and son-in-law, Mary Fiore of Utica, and Nancy and Harry Bello of Sauquoit; his sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Nancy Fiore of Evergreen, Colorado, and James and Karen (Schaffer) Fiore of Marcy; and his grandchildren, Matthew Bello; Kate Fiore, and Samuel Fiore. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and in-laws, Alice and Lee Rinker, and Michael Yanulus. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn M. Fiore, Lucy and Frank Britelli, and Theresa and Frank Tomaino; his brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph and Rose D. Fiore, and Jerry Fiore; his sister-in-law, Catherine Yanulus; and his brother-in-law, Edward Clocker. The family is grateful to Dr. Roger Breslow and the nurses and staff of the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. for the care and attention shown to Sam; also the nurses and staff of the 4th floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their professionalism and compassion. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Sam’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Sam’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Peter’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Samuel J. "Sam" Fiore

February 14, 1913 - April 24, 2008