Sam Pillizzi, Jr., of Kenosha, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2012, at St. Catherine’s Medical Center at the young age of 80, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Kenosha on April 27, 1932, the son of the late Sam and Anna (Vonna) Pillizzi. He served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic and was stationed in Germany. On May 14, 1960, he married the love of his life, Nancy La Mantia at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. He was employed at AMC for over 30 years retiring in 1989. Following his retirement, he started “Sam’s Bikes and Trikes” enjoying his hobby of collecting priceless memorabilia for over 20 years. He was extremely proud to carry the Blessed Mother Statue at the Mt. Carmel Festival religious procession for over 30 years. Sam was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church as well as the Usher Society and Holy Name Society. He was also an active member of Roma Lodge in Racine. He was the MC of the spaghetti eating contest at Roma Lodge and loved to play bocce ball. Surviving Sam are his wife of 52 years, Nancy; a daughter, Christina Pillizzi-Sturino of Kenosha, two sons, James of Kenosha and Michael Sr. (Amy) of Kenosha; four grandchildren, Darryl (Lisa Palo), Anthony (Amie), Mikey Jr., and Martina; a sister, Dolores Weddell of Kenosha; and three brothers, Joseph of Kenosha, Louis F. “Muzzy” (Mary Jane) of Kenosha and Dominick (Georgia) of Racine. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Victoria Angotti and Virginia Pierce; and a brother, James Pillizzi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Sam on Wednesday August 29th, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Roma Lodge Fraternal service at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are asked to gather at the Proko Funeral Home on Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. for prayers. Entombment will be held at All Saints Mausoleum with full military honors.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Sam’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Gina Falaschi
August 28, 2012
Chris, I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. I wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. It is times like this that our faith is put to the test. We know that we all must accept his passing and give thanks for the wonderful life he lived. We hope it comforts you to know that your grief is shared by all of us who knew your dad. He was a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed. My prayers will be that you find comfort in your faith as you make it through this very difficult time.Gina Falaschi
Brian Jaffe
August 28, 2012
Sam will truly be missed by his loving family, many friends and the acquaintances he made over the years at his place on 30th Ave. When Sam and I would get together it was always a contest to see who could tell the most (and funniest) jokes! I loved it when he would call me and bark out "Blain, this is Sam" and Nancy would yell out in the background "Sam, it's Brian not Blain"! He always had a kind word for me and would always tell me to say hi to my "lovely bride". He was truly one of kind and I will miss him!
Vikki and Tom Wendling
August 27, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family at this time. No words can fill the feelings your going thru at this time.Sam was a wonderful loving giving person and will always be remembered!Vikki and Tom
John, Judy & Alex Rodriguez
August 27, 2012
Mike, Amy, Mikey and Martina; We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Grandpa Sam was one of our favorites at Peorio park! I think it was only on our second meeting of each other that he was greeting us with hugs and kisses and telling us a joke. Always smiling and one of Mikey's greatest fans. We will miss his presence but will feel his spirit. Hugs and kisses to you.
Chaplain Josh McDonald
August 27, 2012
Sam, you will be missed, my friend! It was an honor to visit you. Peace be with you, Chaplain Josh
roxie batt
August 26, 2012
sure had a lot of fun buying stuff at your garage. when i passed by you always waved to me. im taking good care of the treasures i bought from you. you were a good friend. giving in and making me a good deal on diffrent thing we had some laughs like your jacket with joe on it for the name i said to you sam it should be and you laughed and said no joe we had fun. may you rest in peace sadly missed
Brian Batt
August 26, 2012
so sorry to see sam had passed away. i used to stop by the garage he bought from joe j. and we would haggle over prices i still have many of the things i bought from him. such a nice guy he was . i knew gerry and the other pillissis from chrysler . i lived a block over on 27th st. so id stop by the garage whenever i saw sam there. i bought collectables,bikes wine jugs and much more we had good times talking about amc/chrysler and our mutual friend joe jiardine who sold sam the garage and moved to colorado. i know sams hunting good collectables in heaven now he had a great eye for quality stuff. r.i.p. sam and god bless
Lou Rugani
August 26, 2012
We had lots of fun together, and I always looked forward to stopping in to his shop on Thirtieth Avenue. My condolences to Sammy's family ...
Jackie Bedford Hicks
August 25, 2012
Dear Chris, Nancy & Family I just wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you. It is never easy loosing a loved one Sam was a great man and a 2nd dad to me. Just know he is your special angel looking down on you. Love Jackie