Mr. Salvatore "Sam" Tomaselli

Mr. Salvatore “Sam” Tomaselli, age 88, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 in the comfort of his favorite recliner at his home. Born in Utica on December 11, 1922, Salvatore was the son of the late Antonio and Maria (Barbera) Tomaselli. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of the United States Army Air Force, he served his country honorably during World War II as a tail gunner. On December 15, 1942 he married the former Catherine “Kay” Lewis with whom he shared 67 years prior to her passing on February 7, 2009. Sam worked in his trade as a master carpenter with area businesses including Tomaselli Construction, John E. Wilkinson & Sons Construction, and Buck Construction. He enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of his many co-workers and acquaintances. Sam was a perfectionist who took great pride in his craftmanship. As a loving father, he also took profound pride in his children Chuck, Toni, and Judy. Throughout his life, Sam celebrated their accomplishments and joys and instilled in them his love of life. An active, outdoorsman, Sam enjoyed long drives around the countryside, harvesting wild mushrooms and watercress, and gathering pristine, spring water. Sam took great joy in sharing these natural treasures with his family and friends. He loved playing in a slow pitch softball league, participating until his early 60’s. Until recently Sam spent countless hours at the Fitness Mill keeping fit and trim. Many at the Mill knew Sam as the “mayor”. He was a member of the Whitestown American Legion, and the Carpenters Union and volunteered annually at the Heart Run. Sam practiced his Catholic faith through his beliefs and daily personal prayer. Sam is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Chuck Tomaselli and his wife Nancy Robinson of Westmoreland; his daughters and sons-in-law, Toni T. and Steve Handzel of Pittsford, and Judy Tomaselli and her husband Bill McPherson of Kirkland; his grandson and wife, Jason P. and Kelly P. Tomaselli of Philadelphia, PA; and the anticipation of the arrival of his first great-grandchild this April. Survivors also include two sisters, Nan Tine, and Connie Chapen, inlaws Charlie and Agnes Lewis of Westmoreland, and many nieces, nephews, and their families. The family expresses sincere thanks to Sam’s caregivers: Kristen, Johanna, Kathy, and Sue, for all the care and attention shown to Sam. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to The Country Pantry, or the JCTOD, Inc.- Food Bank; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Sam’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Committal prayers and entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

Mr. Salvatore "Sam" Tomaselli

December 11, 1922 - December 29, 2010