Sam V. “Papa Sam” Sturino, 88, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 surrounded by his family at his residence. He was a lifelong resident of Kenosha, born on February 7, 1927, the son of the late Giovanni ‘John’ and Angeline (nee: Mazzula) Sturino.
Sam was a graduate of Bradford High School. He served in the United States Army in Japan during World War II. Sam was united in marriage to Helen “Boots” Vig on May 20, 1950 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Kenosha. He retired from Landgren’s Dairy, worked as a route salesman for Spinney Run Dairy and Home Juice. Sam also was a retired Bailiff for Court Commissioner John Plous of Kenosha County for many years.
He was a longtime and faithful member of St. Mark Catholic Church. Sam was also a member of Sierra Club and the Lions Club of Greater Kenosha and had been the eyeglass chairman. He was a volunteer at United Hospital, Eucharist Minister at church and to the homebound. Sam was a retired member of the Teamsters’ Union. He was well known for his dancing and enjoyed listening to music. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved watching the Kentucky Derby. Sam could be found relaxing poolside enjoying the sunshine. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Surviving are his children: Michael (Karen) Sturino of Brookfield, WI, Christine “Kiki” (John) Malkmus, Mark (Laura) Sturino, Mary Jo (Rob) Clark, all of Kenosha and Tom (Stacy) Sturino of Temple, GA, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and his “Kentucky family and friends” who have always held a special place in his heart.
Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Boots, on November 3, 2003, brothers, Armando and Alfredo as young children, Lewis (Rose) Sturino, sisters, Mary (Mike) Marone and Emma (Chester) Bistrick.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church (7117 14th Avenue, Kenosha) on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 7:00PM with Rev. Carlos Flores officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 3:00PM until mass time at 7:00PM. Sam will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at St. James Cemetery next to his wife “Boots”.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Sam in a special way may direct memorials to The Lions Club of Greater Kenosha or St. Mark Church.