Sam Servedio, Sr.

Sam Servedio, Sr., 90, of Servedio Road, died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at his home in New Castle. He was born in Martirano, Italy on August 6, 1921, a son of the late Anthony and Rosina (Cuda) Servedio. He is married to Mary (DiLorenzo) Servedio, who survives in New Castle. Sam and his family set sail to America at age nine from Naples, Italy. His father, Anthony, started the Electric Motor Service business, A. Servedio Electric Inc., at which Sam became employed by age 11. He worked there until he enlisted in the Army at age 21, where he served overseas for four years. He was in the 373rd Ordinance Motor Vehicle Assembly, and was named an Electric Specialist and Rifle Marksman. He was based in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and was awarded the Bronze Star. When he came home, he returned to the family business. Over the years, Sam and his brother, Aldo, inherited Servedio Electric before it was passed down to their sons. Even so, Sam continued working at the shop until the day he passed, never missing a day of work. Sam was an incredible wealth of information to the business, even up to his last day. His mind, as sharp as a tack, remembered many things pertaining to his work at Servedio's. Aside from his incredible work ethic at the shop, Sam spent his evening hours and weekends growing and nurturing a garden nearly the size of a football field. Like a true Italian, he used his vegetables to cook feasts for his family. He regularly gave figs from his exceptional fig tree, butternut squash, peppers, tomatoes, and other exotic garden gifts to friends and family. The garden was just another home for him, and was truly one of his great loves in life. He started and raised his family with his precious wife, Mary. His father built his house in 1931, and Sam remained there until the end of his days with Mary. They welcomed all family and friends to the house for all occasions. Over the years, countless annual Servedio Pig Roasts, Christmas day celebrations, and many more occasions took place in their home. Sam and Mary participated in many activities together. They earned themselves metals in the Senior Olympics in a 100-meter dash, basketball, and other competitions, adding to Sam and Mary's collection. They attended St. Vitus church every Sunday, and were true believers in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Sam was a well-rounded man, so generous and loving to all family and friends. He serviced New Castle and surrounding areas for nearly 80 years, and is appreciated and loved deeply by all who have met him. Many people know his name, but the same cannot be said for him. Sam often forgot names, since he knew so many. However, when a name slipped his mind, he made up for it by naming everyone "Lucky." By the end of his days, nearly every man he knew, whether he knew their name or not, was named "Lucky." Sam lived 90 years, and his family is so grateful for having him for so long. He will be dearly missed and loved by all of his family and friends. His life will always be celebrated. We will never forget you, Dad!

He is survived by six children: Rosemarie Servedio Commisso and her husband Rocco of Pittsburgh, PA; Sally Servedio Soom and her husband Timothy of Uniontown, PA; Anthony Servedio and his wife Linda of New Castle; Noreen Servedio Rose and her husband Steve of Glenmoore, PA; Sam Servedio, Jr. and his wife Sharri of New Castle; and Mary Beth Servedio Floccari and her husband Gary of Allison Park, PA; three sisters: Norina Servedio DiSante of New Castle; Jennie Servedio DuSheid of Columbus, OH; and Ann Cuda Gross of Gibsonia, PA; sixteen grandchildren: Danielle Commisso, Christina Commisso Dowd, Andrea Commisso, Thomas Servedio, Anthony M. Servedio, Sammy Servedio, Bryana Servedio, LaDare Servedio, Taylor Servedio, Tim Soom, Tara Soom Keller, Tony Soom, Jessica Soom Showman, Joshua Soom, Sarah Floccari, and Benjamin Floccari, and twelve great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Aldo Servedio, and one sister, Nicolina Servedio Renner.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 9 PM at the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Avenue.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 9:30 AM at St. Vitus Church. Father Frank Almade of St. Vitus Church will officiate. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:00 AM. Burial will be in St. Vitus Cemetery. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform Military Funeral Rites at the cemetery.